Committee highlights jail-based RISE program, quick response team and widespread naloxone distribution

Kelly Ainsworth outlined several county initiatives the steering committee could support with settlement funds, focusing on continuity of care for justice-involved people and rapid overdose response.

Ainsworth described RISE as a jail-based partnership with the Genesee County Sheriff's Office that identifies detained individuals' needs and routes them to treatment, mental-health services, reentry help and transportation upon release. "RISE is 1. This is a jail based, partnership with the Genesee County Sheriff's Office," she said.

She also described the Quick Response Team, a hospital bedside peer recovery coaching program that responds within an hour when someone asks for help and has since expanded into community and jail settings.

On harm-reduction work, Ainsworth said the county has distributed naloxone widely: "Naloxone kits, we're in the 30,000 range." She noted partnerships to place NARCAN distribution boxes on MDOT property across the county, and emphasized small investments that coordinate providers can extend impact through multiple systems.

Committee members discussed monitoring technology in the jail (Overwatch wristbands) and continuation of staffing for jail-based roles; Colic said the sheriff's office currently has about 30 people wearing the wristbands and the contract carries data and maintenance obligations into 2027.