The St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center (SMCDRC), in conjunction with community partners, provides a comprehensive continuum of care - from community to incarceration and back to community. The goal is to reduce recidivism and maximize the safety of the community, personnel and the incarcerated. The SMCDRC serves incarcerated individuals who are awaiting trial, undergoing pre-sentence investigation, sentenced, and those on community supervision.
Classification and Offender Re-Entry
Upon admission to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center, all committed incarcerated individuals are classified using an objective system to determine their security level and program needs. Consistent management of the incarcerated population creates a safer environment for the incarcerated as well as the staff.
The goal is to provide counseling, therapy, and support groups that address the underlying causes of addiction and promote sobriety. Upon entering the program, Offender Re-Entry Case Managers, the Licensed Social Worker, and Peer Recovery Specialists work collaboratively to develop and implement individualized re-entry plans and aftercare services, ensuring a seamless transition to community providers. Ultimately, the objective is to improve the lives of individuals and their families, as well as contribute to the well-being of the St. Mary’s County community, particularly for children and future generations.
Clinical and Emergency Medical Services
Clinical and Emergency Medical Services for the incarcerated/detainee population are provided through a contractual agreement with Prime Care Medical, Inc. (PCM) in accordance with the Maryland Commission on Correctional Standards. PCM administers a 24-hour medical care program for incarcerated/detainees of the St. Mary's County Detention and Rehabilitation Center, which meets the requirements of the Standards as set forth in Title 12, Subtitle 14, of the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) and aligns with the American Medical Association Standards for health services in jails. This program shall be subject to periodic review and approval by the Sheriff of St. Mary's County, Maryland, or a designated representative. Basic clinical and emergency medical care is available twenty-four hours a day, provided by the Contractor's staff.
In 2019, Maryland Law, specifically the Annotated Code of Maryland, Correctional Services 9-603 Opioid Use Disorder, Screening, Evaluation, Screening, and Treatment, mandated that all local detention centers implement a Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) Program and comply with all the tenets of the law by January 1, 2023.
SMCDRC volunteered to be one of the four pilot programs to implement MOUD in local detention centers. The SMCDRC’s Jail-Based MOUD Program officially began in September 2020, during the pandemic and while the facility was undergoing expansion and renovation. With the grant funding, St. Mary’s continues to provide all required elements of the law to include but not limited to Medical Intake; Mental Health & Substance Abuse Assessment Using Evidenced Based Screenings & Assessments; Medical diagnosis Opioid Use Disorder & MOUD appropriate; provide information to the individual on MOUD; make MOUD available following an assessment using clinical guidelines; pregnant females are offered MOUD as soon as possible; the individual may choose from three (3) medication options for MOUD: Methadone, Buprenorphine or Vivitrol. The program will begin withdrawal management services before administering any medication. It will also provide behavioral health counseling that aligns with therapeutic standards, access to a health care practitioner, and on-site peer recovery specialists. Statistical data will be reported, and a re-entry plan will be developed that includes: 1. Information regarding post incarceration access to medication continuity; peer recovery specialists, other supportive therapy, and enrollment in health insurance plans; 2. Any recommended referrals made by a health care practitioner for medication continuity and peer recovery specialists, and 3. A review of the plan by a healthcare practitioner or peer recovery specialist, if necessary.
Mental Health Services
The program will assess each incarcerated individual's behavioral health status using evidence-based screening and assessment tools. Mental Health Services for the incarcerated and detainee population will take into consideration their clinical and social needs, as well as public safety risks. The program will identify necessary community and correctional services for post-release support and coordinate a transition plan to ensure effective implementation and avoid gaps in care with the community-based services.