Murphysboro

Researchers are studying ways to reduce opioid-related deaths in Illinois by focusing on people with opioid use disorder who are released from jails and prisons. This 5-year research project, called ROMI, aims to test strategies for connecting these individuals to addiction treatment and harm reduction services. The study is part of a larger national effort funded by the NIH to improve addiction care for people involved with the criminal justice system. The trial compares two approaches: one group receives an intensive case management and peer recovery coaching program that helps link participants to medication-assisted treatment and harm reduction resources. The other group receives naloxone training and a naloxone kit upon re-entry, along with information about local support services. Both groups get harm reduction tools. The study enrolls at least 300 participants in each group from multiple jails and prisons across Illinois. Participants will be followed for 12 months to see how well they engage with addiction treatment and harm reduction programs. Researchers will also track outcomes like re-arrest rates, mental health service use, insurance enrollment, and behaviors that increase overdose risk. The study includes careful monitoring to ensure consistent delivery of services across sites and to guide future efforts to replicate this model in other settings or populations.