Substance use disorders can affect people from every walk of life, but stigma and barriers to treatment often prevent individuals from receiving the care they need. People who are incarcerated — and those returning to the community following incarceration — may have limited access to medications, medical providers and ongoing recovery support.
Addressing that gap is at the heart of a partnership between the Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office, Sheridan Memorial Hospital and several community organizations. Together, they are working to ensure individuals in the Sheridan County Detention Center have access to evidence-based addiction treatment, both during incarceration and as they transition back into the community. In doing so, participating entities hope to reduce the risk of relapse, overdose and future involvement with the justice system, benefitting not just the individual but also the community as a whole.
“A lot of these individuals have struggled with getting into the healthcare system or even trusting the healthcare system,” said Dr. Jason Ackerman, internal and addiction medicine physician at Sheridan Memorial Hospital. “Sometimes it can take a couple of visits for them to realize we are there to help and aid them in their success after release.”
The detention center began developing the substance use treatment program in September 2025 with Advanced Correctional Healthcare, its on-site medical provider. The Sheriff’s Office later partnered with Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s addiction medicine providers to strengthen the program with additional clinical expertise and support.
The voluntary program allows eligible individuals with opioid or alcohol use disorders to begin or continue treatment while incarcerated. Participants receive a medical assessment, medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings, ongoing medical monitoring, education and support in planning for recovery after release.
Ackerman said when patients do their medical intake at the jail, the nurse identifies patients that meet criteria for substance use disorder and offer appointments with him. If people are interested, Ackerman meets with them in an office at the jail.
“Our goal is to make the appointment as similar as we can to an appointment in our clinic despite the jail setting,” Ackerman said. “I evaluate for potential treatments for substance use disorders, underlying mental health disorders that can be addressed, even internal medicine issues such as elevated blood pressure. We offer the individuals medical treatments, but it is always the person’s choice whether or not to follow through with the recommendations.”
The partnership is an example of what can happen when local organizations work together to address a complex community challenge. Since the program began, 32 individuals have participated. According to the Sheriff’s Office, none has returned to the Sheridan County Detention Center following release.
Ackerman noted addiction is a tough disease and not everybody is going to be successful in recovery on the first try. He added that providing the opportunity to everybody is important and so far, the partners in the program have been impressed with the follow-through from patients after they are released.
“While we recognize that long-term outcomes require continued evaluation, this early result is promising and demonstrates the potential impact of providing treatment, recovery support and continuity of care before individuals return to the community,” said Justice Blaney, a registered nurse with the SCSO.
Several organizations have contributed to the program’s early success.
- Sheriff Levi Dominguez has championed the program alongside Lt. Charles Gibbons, registered nurse Justice Blaney and Robin Horsley, AGACNP-BC.
- Advanced Correctional Healthcare serves as the detention facility’s medical partner, providing on-site medical services, clinical oversight, medication management and ongoing patient care.
- Dr. Jason Ackerman and the SMH team have played a critical role by providing medical expertise, clinical guidance and education to ensure evidence-based practices are followed.
- Sheridan County Public Health also provides support through sexually transmitted disease testing, communicable disease screening and other public health services that support the overall health and treatment of program participants.
- VOA Northern Rockies has helped bridge the gap between incarceration and community-based care, assisting individuals in accessing medications, treatment services and other recovery resources after release from detention.
“The collaboration has been essential to building a comprehensive program that provides high-quality treatment, supports successful reentry and improves the health and safety of both participants and the community,” SCSO Lt. Charles Gibbons said.
The approach in Sheridan County is also drawing attention beyond the community. Representatives from the Wyoming Department of Health and the Harm Reduction Coalition of the United States have visited with local leaders, medical providers and community partners to learn more about the program.
Their interest reinforces the potential for Sheridan County’s program to serve as a model for other detention facilities across Wyoming and the nation. With additional meetings planned, Sheridan County partners are excited to share experiences, discuss best practices and collaborate with others working to improve access to evidence-based treatment.
Learn more about Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Addiction & Internal Medicine clinic and the services it offers here.