Sheriff Bill Brown | Official website of Santa Barbara County
Sheriff Bill Brown | Official website of Santa Barbara County
California Forensic Medical Group (CFMG/Wellpath), in partnership with the Sheriff's Office, has achieved significant progress in the Medications for Addiction Treatment (MAT) program at county jails. The initiative, which targets individuals with substance use disorders, has eliminated waitlists and provided necessary treatment to those in need.
Since its inception in September 2022, the MAT program has assisted over 1,000 patients. Currently, there are 110 patients at the Main Jail and 90 at the Northern Branch Jail, totaling 200 participants. This effort has led to a reduction of more than 36% in overdose-related deaths across the county from 2023 to 2024. Within the jail system, overdose incidents have decreased significantly, with only 12 reported cases in 2024 compared to 21 in the previous year. Of these incidents, only one occurred within a housing unit while eleven were at intake.
Moreover, over 300 individuals have been discharged with naloxone (Narcan) to prevent future overdoses. Naloxone is made available free of charge at all Sheriff’s stations.
The program's expansion includes two full-time Substance Use Disorder (SUD) counselors who provide various Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) services such as Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT), SMART Recovery, group counseling, and individual sessions. These efforts underscore CFMG/Wellpath’s and the Sheriff's Office's commitment to supporting recovery and enhancing health and safety for both incarcerated individuals and the wider community.
Community members interested in obtaining medications for addiction treatment are encouraged to contact their primary care provider or utilize available resources:
Behavioral Wellness Access Line: 888-868-1649
Public Health Care Centers:
Santa Maria – 805-346-7230
Lompoc – 805-737-6400
Santa Barbara – 805-681-5488
Website: https://opioidsafetysb.org
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