Jail-Based Medication-Assisted Treatment (JMAT)
JMAT
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JMAT 〰️
What is JMAT?
Recovery isn’t
defined by location.
Jail Medication-Assisted Treatment (JMAT) is a program designed to help people in jail who are struggling with opioid use disorder. The program provides a combination of medication, therapy, and counseling to support individuals on their path to recovery. It uses FDA-approved medications, such as buprenorphine to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it easier for participants to manage their addiction. All medications are given under medical supervision to ensure they are safe and effective.
JMAT also offers additional support services like counseling, behavioral therapy, and case management, which help participants address mental health issues and develop coping skills to support long-term recovery. The program is designed to offer continuous care, helping individuals during their time in jail and after their release.
Who is involved in JMAT?
JMAT involves a team of healthcare professionals and support staff. Medical providers oversee the use of medications, ensuring they are used safely and effectively to help participants manage their opioid addiction. Counselors and therapists work with participants in both individual and group settings to address underlying mental health concerns and offer emotional support. Case managers help participants access other needed services, both during their time in jail and after they are released, to ensure they have the resources they need to stay on track with their recovery.
Participants in the JMAT program include incarcerated individuals struggling with opioid addiction. The program is designed to meet them where they are and offer the tools they need for a successful recovery.
How does JMAT Connect?
JMAT ensures that individuals continue to receive support after they are released from jail by connecting them with community resources and recovery programs. This includes partnerships with local healthcare providers, addiction recovery services, and mental health organizations. By linking participants with these external resources, JMAT helps bridge the gap between incarceration and successful re-entry into society.
The program is part of a broader public health effort to combat opioid addiction and prevent overdoses. By addressing addiction within the jail system and supporting individuals after their release, JMAT plays a key role in building healthier, drug-free communities.
A key strength of the JMAT team is the integration of Peer Recovery Specialists.
Several Peer Recovery Specialists (PRS) have lived experience with substance use and justice involvement. Their presence ensures that support services are not only trauma-informed but also grounded in empathy, credibility, and cultural responsiveness. PRSs play an active role in pre-release engagement, post-release follow-up, and warm handoffs to long-term treatment, housing, and social services. Their input is also central to service planning and case conferencing.
Learn More About Our JMAT Partners
This work was supported by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) in connection with the Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) for State Prisoners Program, a federally funded initiative managed by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) under the U.S. Department of Justice. Empowering Communities Jail-based Medication Assisted Treatment Grant: #511143 (FY2024); #527501 (FY2025) The content presented does not necessarily reflect the official views or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice, BJA or Virginia DCJS.
Meet the Team
-
Rebecca Sutter (she/her)
DNP, APRN, BC-FNP
Director -
Megan Harvey (she/her)
DNP, FNP-BC, BSN, RN
Director of MAT/MOUD Services -
Ashley Wiest (she/her)
DNP, FNP-BC
NP Provider -
Micah J. Price (he/him)
CPRS, i-FPRS
Lead Peer Recovery Specialist -
Allison West (she/her)
MSW
Project Coordinator -
Rebecca Hurd (she/her)
MPH
Project Coordinator -
Nancy RB. Spencer (she/her)
MHA, QMHP
Program Manager