September 6, 2024

“The only bad idea is one you don’t share,” said Dr. Colin Greene on his visit to the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center. Greene, advisor to Governor Youngkin on opioid response, traveled from Richmond to learn more about Sheriff Stacey Kincaid’s nationally recognized addiction treatment and recovery programs.

“There is no need to reinvent the wheel when it comes to developing health care programs that address the needs of an incarcerated population,” says Kincaid. “A substance use disorder is a chronic illness and should be treated as such. We have observed and learned from other jurisdictions, and we are happy to share our own best practices and the successful outcomes we have achieved over the last five to six years.”

Kincaid says her agency’s goal is to get people stabilized when they come in and start their recovery while they are incarcerated. “We are not releasing sober addicts.”

The Sheriff’s Office welcomes visitors from all over the state and nation. “I hope that our programs can be replicated, both in confinement settings and out in the community,” states Kincaid. “We must work together to eliminate the stigma attached to substance use disorders and build sustainable paths to recovery.”

Kincaid explains that the Sheriff’s Office takes a multi-pronged approach to combat the opioid epidemic and overdose deaths. Screening starts with a nurse at intake. Referrals, when needed, are made to the jail-based Community Services Board (CSB).

“Our approach is not punitive,” Kincaid says. “We are non-judgmental and focus on prevention, treatment and harm reduction.”

The highlight of Greene’s visit was hearing from many of the 19 participants in the Striving to Achieve Recovery (STAR) program. STAR, launched in November 2018, is a peer-based program that focuses on underlying trauma, restores dignity, provides hope and creates individualized plans for a sober future.

Nimberth, age 36, incarcerated on drug charges, said, “STAR helped me stop blaming others for problems in my life. It taught me how to ask for help. I don’t have it all figured out yet, but I have a lot of tools to help me.”

Malique, age 24, also incarcerated on drug charges, shared with the group, “Drug use and alcohol use, I thought it was normal. In my family, it’s a tradition. This program has given me so much knowledge and hope. I never thought I would be grateful to be in jail. I am proud to say, I am grateful. The Sheriff and all the people here [sworn and civilian staff, a peer recovery specialist, CSB leadership] believe in us. When I leave here, I want to spread awareness among young people. I can say, we’ve been where you are. Recovery is possible.”

For more information about the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office addiction treatment and recovery programs, email the Sheriff's Office.