By Bay City News.
The San Mateo County Sheriff's Office this week launched a new detox program inside a correctional facility as part of its efforts to combat the fentanyl crisis in the county.
The detox program aims to provide people incarcerated at the Maguire Correctional Center with the support needed to overcome their addiction and regain control of their lives, the Sheriff's Office said in a news release Thursday.
County officials also said they hope to reduce recidivism rates, improve public safety and ultimately transform the lives of those affected by substance abuse through the detox program.
“We have partnered with the San Mateo County Department of Correctional Health for this program, an important milestone in our commitment to public safety and the well-being of those struggling with addiction,” Sheriff Christina Corpus said in a statement.
Darryl Liu, mental health program supervisor for the San Mateo County Department of Correctional Health, said the department is eager to partner with the county Sheriff's Office.
“We are proud to launch this effort with Sheriff Corpus, who believes this forgotten population deserves a chance to fight their addictions with medical and mental health support,” according to Liu.
The county program Liu oversees has served approximately 227 incarcerated people in August, 217 in July and 238 in June. Key features of the county's detox program include individualized treatment plans, medically supervised detoxification, and comprehensive counseling and support.
Each participant will receive a personalized treatment plan tailored to their specific needs and circumstances. According to the Sheriff's Office, this approach ensures that inmates receive specific care and a release plan throughout their detoxification process, improving the likelihood of successful outcomes.
The detox program employs a team of qualified health professionals who specialize in addiction medicine. Inmates undergo detoxification under close medical supervision, allowing for a safe and comfortable withdrawal process, the Sheriff's Office said.
In addition to medical care, participants will have faster access to a variety of counseling services and programming options. These sessions will help inmates address the underlying factors that contribute to their addiction, develop coping mechanisms and build a strong foundation for lasting recovery, county officials said.
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