Department seeking bids to expand medications for opioid use disorder treatment in county jails

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is seeking proposals to contract with a project administrator to oversee a project to expand medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) programs in Michigan county jails.

This project will be funded through opioid settlement funding and seeks to address the significant overdose risks in individuals once they are released from jail by increasing access to MOUD in county jails.

“In Michigan, we are using this long-term funding to support evidence-based programming, including for treatment providers, recovery supports, harm-reduction strategies, prevention programming and other programs that support individuals with substance use disorders,” said MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel. “Medications for opioid use disorder has been proven effective to reduce the risk of overdoses, and expanding this program in our county jails is a priority.”

Medications for opioid use disorder have been approved by the U.S Food and Drug Administration to treat and prevent relapse for opioid use disorder (OUD).

Research has shown that individuals who are incarcerated are at significant risk of experiencing both non-fatal and fatal overdoses post incarceration. Rhode Island offered all three forms of MOUD in its correctional system, resulting in a nearly two-thirds reduction in statewide opioid overdose deaths.

Once selected, the contracted project administrator will recruit county jails to participate in individualized technical assistance and training to implement or expand access to MOUD. While training and technical assistance needs may vary by participating jails, technical assistance will include:

• Implementing or expanding a MOUD continuum-of-care model from jail to release to the community.

• Identifying incarcerated individuals with OUD.

• Providing evidence-based treatment within the jail.

• Establishing reentry to ensure continuity in medication and supportive services after release from incarceration.

Participating county jails will receive a stipend that must be used to cover the costs associated with MOUD programs, such as medications that can cost up to $1,800 per dose.

Proposals must be submitted electronically through SIGMA Vendor Self Service (https://sigma.michigan.gov/webapp/PRDVSS2X1/AltSelfService) by 1:55 p.m., Wednesday, August 2. Once logged in to SIGMA, vendors can search for RFP #230000002541 or search Medications for Opioid Use Disorder Implementation in Jail Settings.