Welcome to the Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use Program (COSSUP) podcast series featuring conversations with guests about medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in rural jails. This series offers listeners an opportunity to learn from individuals who are involved in providing MAT and recovery support within rural jails. Each of the five podcasts offers a unique perspective based on the role of the guest: a jail medical staff administrator, a peer specialist, a community-based medical provider, an MAT program coordinator, and a jail administrator. They share their lessons learned and experience addressing challenges commonly faced by jails and their partners when implementing MAT.

Increasingly, correctional facilities across the country are providing medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to individuals in custody. Successful implementation of MAT programming in rural areas, such as Alaska and Montana, provides valuable lessons on overcoming challenges posed by rural settings.

In this podcast, Michael White, former Director of Community Programs at Community Medical Services, discusses his experience working with rural communities. He describes the collective impact model for building collaboration, which involves honoring and validating the beliefs of jail staff and community members as the first step. He explains how to scale up to MAT provision, why synergy among leadership is important, and what to expect from community providers.

A transcript of this podcast is available.