Latest news with #ErinDalton
Malaysian Reserve
30-04-2025
- Health
- Malaysian Reserve
Centurion Health Partners with Allegheny County to Launch Jail-Based Competency Restoration and Support Program to Reduce Wait Times
PITTSBURGH, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS) announced the launch of the Mobile Competency Restoration and Support Team (MCRST), a new program that delivers critical services to individuals found not competent to stand trial. The MCRST is the only mobile competency restoration team in Pennsylvania that offers both clinical treatment and psychoeducational support in a community-based model. People may be found not competent to stand trial due to serious mental illness, cognitive delays, or conditions like dementia that prevent them from understanding court proceedings or assisting in their defense. Once someone is found not competent, their case is paused until they are restored – or until alternative legal or clinical solutions are in place. Yet the only option for competency restoration for people held in the Allegheny County Jail (ACJ) is Torrance State Hospital – a facility operated by the Commonwealth with extremely limited capacity. In 2024, individuals committed to Torrance for competency restoration spent a median of 81 days in jail waiting for a bed. That waiting period added up to more than 13,000 jail bed days this year alone, often for people charged with low-level crimes: nearly half (49%) had only a misdemeanor as their highest charge. 'In spite of a class action settlement nearly a decade ago requiring the state to expand capacity, people still languish in jail waiting for treatment,' said Erin Dalton, Director of Allegheny County DHS. 'This community-based alternative allows us to restore people faster, avoid unnecessary incarceration, and use public dollars more wisely—all while treating people with dignity.' Developed in partnership with DHS, the Fifth Judicial District of PA and the ACJ, the MCRST is operated by Centurion Health, a DHS-contracted provider with more than 25 years of experience in correctional healthcare. The multidisciplinary team includes a psychiatrist, mental health nurse, dual diagnosis therapist, certified forensic peer counselor, competency support specialist, and a Justice Related Services liaison to ensure coordination with the courts and community providers. 'We're proud to expand our existing programs in Pennsylvania to partner with the Fifth Judicial District and the Allegheny County Jail to bring this innovative model to life,' said Timothy Harlin, CEO of Centurion Health. 'The MCRST reflects our commitment to delivering compassionate, coordinated care that not only supports individuals through the legal process but also lays the foundation for long-term recovery and stability in the community.' 'We're happy to have another solution that can help individuals avoid incarceration and enjoy the benefits of community-based restoration,' said Holly Martin, ACJ Deputy Warden of Healthcare Services. Historically, around 125 individuals from Allegheny County have been committed to Torrance State Hospital each year for competency restoration. The MCRST gives courts a less restrictive, faster alternative – and gives individuals the care and respect they deserve. Witold Walczak, Legal Director, ACLU of Pennsylvania lauded the program, stating, 'As class counsel for people deemed incompetent to stand trial and waiting far too long to access competency treatment, the ACLU is pleased to hear about new alternatives that reduce the number of people who are detained. We have long advocated for community-based treatment for the many people who can and should be treated in the community, with strong supports to improve their chances of success.' The launch of the MCRST reflects Allegheny County's commitment to expanding behavioral health services and addressing the intersection of mental illness and the criminal-legal system with dignity, care and effectiveness. About Centurion Health Centurion Health is a leading national provider of medical, dental, behavioral health, and rehabilitative services to incarcerated and justice-involved persons. Our services go beyond patient care, helping advance the potential of the people we serve. Centurion Health is dedicated to correctional healthcare, a service that is provided for the health and well-being of persons in the justice system. For more information on Centurion Health, please visit Media Contact:Centurion Health: MediaInquiries@
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Medication for Opioid Use Disorder program expanded at Allegheny County Jail
The Allegheny County Jail is expanding its resources to help people struggling with opioid use. The Allegheny County Department of Human Services partnered with the jail to expand its Medication for Opioid Use Disorder program to include methadone induction for incarcerated people. 'Substance use disorder too often results in incarceration,' said DHS Director Erin Dalton. 'If we can help people begin proven treatment while they're in jail and continue that treatment once they return to the community, we have a real chance to help thousands of people start on the path to recovery and also reduce the high risk of fatal overdose upon release.' Previously, methadone induction was only offered to people with active prescriptions but the expansion will now make it available to everyone in incarceration. 'Methadone induction was the missing piece in our efforts to expand MOUD access,' said Holly Martin, ACJ's Deputy Warden for Healthcare Services. 'Thanks to collaboration with our many stakeholders, we've now completed the puzzle.' According to county officials, a 'medication unit' is a facility that has been established as part of, but is geographically separate from, an opioid treatment program from which licensed private practitioners or community pharmacists dispense or administer an opioid treatment medication. The unit at ACJ is the first of its kind in Pennsylvania. Currently, Allegheny Health Network professionals help administer care for those in need of treatment. 'I want to commend the leadership at DHS and the ACJ for addressing this important need for MOUD expansion for incarcerated individuals at the jail. This comprehensive approach is going to lead to better care and outcomes for those struggling with opioid use while they are in the County's care,' said Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato. In February, ACJ treated over 550 people in its MOUD program. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
