Volusia County
Implementation Plans
FY 2023-2024 Plan
The Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 details the allocation and utilization of opioid abatement funding by Volusia County, focusing on enhancing services for incarcerated individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) and co-occurring substance use and mental health conditions. A total of $130,710.93 was allocated to Volusia County Corrections to support a range of services, including substance abuse and mental health screenings, clinical withdrawal monitoring, detoxification programs, and the provision of medications like loperamide, promethazine, and buprenorphine for withdrawal symptom management.
The report outlines the core strategies and approved uses of the funds, emphasizing the expansion of treatment availability, support for evidence-based withdrawal management services, and ensuring healthcare providers are equipped to screen, counsel, treat, or refer patients for OUD treatment. Throughout the fiscal year, Volusia County Corrections conducted 16,320 screenings for opioid use disorder, leading to 1,798 individuals being referred for clinical opioid scale monitoring. Of these, 1,029 received medications for withdrawal symptom management, and 476 were prescribed buprenorphine.
The report also includes detailed monthly statistics on screenings, referrals for opioid monitoring, referrals based on use/misuse of opiates, inmates prescribed medication for withdrawal management, inmates prescribed buprenorphine, and referrals to external programs for OUD treatment. The report’s detailed breakdown of services and outcomes demonstrates Volusia County’s commitment to addressing the opioid crisis within its corrections facilities through a comprehensive approach that includes screening, treatment, and referral processes. The funding allocation and its utilization reflect a targeted effort to improve the health and well-being of incarcerated individuals with OUD and co-occurring conditions, aligning with broader public health and safety objectives. The contact information provided at the end of the report offers avenues for further inquiry and engagement with the program, indicating an openness to communication and collaboration. This transparency and the detailed reporting of activities and outcomes contribute to a better understanding of the program’s impact and the ongoing efforts to combat the opioid crisis in Volusia County.
In summary, the Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 showcases Volusia County’s strategic use of opioid abatement funding to enhance treatment and support services for incarcerated individuals with OUD and related conditions. Through a comprehensive approach that includes screening, medication-assisted treatment, and referrals to external programs, the county is making significant strides in addressing the complex challenges posed by the opioid epidemic within its corrections system.
FY 2024-2025 Plan
The Volusia County Opioid Abatement Funding Program, guided by the Opioid Abatement Funding Advisory Board, is set to implement a strategic plan for fiscal year 2024-2025 to combat opioid issues within the county. The Advisory Board, consisting of representatives from various sectors including law enforcement, emergency services, and community stakeholders, has allocated $4,000,000 for the first funding cycle. This funding is aimed at supporting local governments, municipalities, and non-profit organizations through one or two-year terms, with proposals focusing on equipment purchase not bound by a minimum request amount.
The board has outlined ineligible costs to ensure focused and effective use of the funds. In the first solicitation period, which began on April 19, 2024, ten proposals were approved for recommendation to the Volusia County Council. These proposals encompass a wide range of strategies and approved uses, including overdose prevention, treatment and recovery support services, distribution of naloxone, and comprehensive wrap-around services for individuals in recovery. Specific initiatives include the placement of naloxone vending machines, funding for recovery housing, distribution of fentanyl test strips, and programs aimed at educating and reducing opioid misuse among youth. The proposals also address the needs of specific populations, such as uninsured or underinsured individuals, pregnant women, and those involved in the criminal justice system. For example, one proposal seeks to enhance Medication-Assisted Treatment programs within jails, while another focuses on providing comprehensive support for pregnant women with OUD and their families.
Additionally, efforts to reduce stigma and develop best practices for addressing OUD in the workplace are highlighted, demonstrating a multifaceted approach to opioid abatement. Implementation and monitoring of these initiatives are critical components of the plan. Following the approval of funding awards by the Volusia County Council, awarded agencies will be required to adhere to contractual obligations regarding data collection, reporting, and monitoring. The program and services will commence after the completion of agreements, with continuous evaluation and quarterly reporting to ensure effectiveness and accountability. The Advisory Board plans to hold its next meeting in October 2024 to discuss further funding cycles and refine strategies based on the outcomes of the implemented proposals.
This summary encapsulates the key elements of the Volusia County Opioid Abatement Funding Program’s Implementation Plan for fiscal year 2024-2025. It highlights the structured approach taken by the Advisory Board to address the opioid crisis through targeted funding, the diversity of strategies employed to tackle various aspects of the issue, and the emphasis on monitoring and evaluation to ensure the success and accountability of the funded initiatives.