The Summit County Sheriff’s Office has received a two-year renewal of an Opioid
Remediation Grant through the Ohio Attorney General’s Office in the amount of
$400,000 to continue providing addiction treatment within the Summit County Jail.
With the initial grant award of $187,000 in March 2025, the Sheriff’s Office created the position of Addiction Services Coordinator, contracting with VitalCore Health Strategies to provide a full-time Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) to treat inmates at the Summit County Jail.
The Addiction Services Coordinator began working in June 2025. They are tasked with evaluating inmates during intake and ensuring that those in need of treatment receive it as soon as possible. They have the authority to prescribe medications for opiate use disorder, as well as formulate treatment plans, provide education, monitor progress, develop transitional care and re-entry plans, and collaborate with community treatment providers and social support services to ensure continued progress after release.
In the twelve months that the Addiction Services Coordinator has been on the job, they have treated over 700 inmates with substance abuse disorders.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 85% of inmates nationwide have
an active substance abuse disorder or were incarcerated for a crime involving drug use.
Despite this sobering statistic, less than half of jails nationwide provide medication for opioid addiction.
“We’re proud to be on the frontlines when it comes to fighting substance abuse
disorders,” said Sheriff Kandy Fatheree. “If we can help our inmates start down the path of recovery during the time they’re with us, and develop treatment plans for when they’re released, we know that greatly reduces the chances of them being reincarcerated in the future.”
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