Durham, NC (Tuesday, August 30, 2022) – This week marks the three-year anniversary of the “Sheriff’s Medication Assisted Restorative and Treatment (SMART) program at the Durham County Detention Facility (DCDF). When Phase I launched on September 2, 2019, DCDF became the first detention facility in the State of North Carolina to provide coordinated treatment to detainees suffering from opioid addiction. Since SMART’s inception three years ago, 258 men and women have received medication for opioid use disorder at DCDF. Less than 21% of the 258 detainees who have gone through the SMART program have returned to custody.

 
“We are proud of the excellent work SMART does saving lives for those detainees challenged by their addiction,” Durham County Sheriff Clarence Birkhead said.  “The numbers clearly show detainees going through SMART reduces recidivism. It is no secret the opioid epidemic has devastated communities and families, not only in Durham County but across the state and our nation. We want to do everything possible to make resources available to detainees who need assistance; including prevention, intervention, and recovery.”
 
On Wednesday, August 31, Sheriff Birkhead is scheduled to attend Durham’s Together for Resilient Youth (TRY) community awareness event from 4p to 6p at “The Leaf” (Durham Central Park) and will be available for an interview about DCSO’s efforts in this area.
 
Sheriff Birkhead is releasing the following statistics regarding the SMART program in advance of “International Overdose Day” tomorrow, August 31^st (see below charts showing recent data/results). “Durham County Detention Facility staff are committed to the safety and security of all those who are in our custody,” Sheriff Birkhead said. “We want to take every opportunity to ensure those battling addictions receive treatment and are educated on all the resources available for a successful recovery journey. The SMART program is critical for that success.
 
“Statistically, the SMART program shows we are having a significant impact on detainees navigating a path to recovery and having a chance to return to society. Because of the success story we’re seeing here locally in Durham, we have worked with other detention facilities, both regionally and nationally, to establish similar programs,” Sheriff Birkhead concluded.
 
For more background information about our MAT program, please access this recent article: 
Increasing MAT use in carceral facilities could save lives, but faces barriers – North Carolina Health News:
“Durham County’s jail is one of just a few in the state that provides medication-assisted treatment, a path to saving lives and reducing recidivism.”