Rural Project Examples Addressing Criminal justice system

Morrison County Accountable Community for Health
Updated/reviewed September 2022

Need: To combat prescription drug misuse in rural Morrison County, Minnesota.
Intervention: The Morrison County ACH brought together primary care, social services, law enforcement, and other partners to make sure that patients receive treatment and support.
Results: One pharmacy saw a 40% reduction in the number of prescribed opioids, and the ACH was able to taper 684 patients off opioids completely.

Staggered Sentencing for Repeat Drunk Driving Offenders
Updated/reviewed August 2022

Need: To reduce the incidences of repeat drunk driving.
Intervention: Repeat DWI (driving while intoxicated) offenders were given a staggered sentence, allowing them to serve their sentence in segments of time, typically separated by several months to a year. The offender was able to file a motion to request a waiver for the remaining sentence period(s), if able to show that he/she maintained sobriety.
Results: The incidence of recidivism, or crime relapse, has been reduced among offenders given staggered sentences, by comparison to offenders given traditional DWI sentences. The program has also reduced the average cost of jail time that otherwise would have been served from a full sentence.

Seneca Strong's Certified Addiction Recovery Coaches
Updated/reviewed July 2022

Need: Like many Native American populations, the Seneca Nation of Indians has experienced disproportionate rates of opioid, alcohol, and substance misuse.
Intervention: The Seneca Nation Government and Executives founded Seneca Strong, a cultural recovery peer advocate program, with the goal of reducing substance misuse across the Nation.
Results: Seneca Strong has since grown in personnel and capacity to meet the needs of the Allegany and Cattaraugus territories of the Seneca Nation.

Eastern Plains Sexual Assault Response Team (EPSART)
Updated/reviewed June 2022

Need: To provide support and resources to victims of sexual assault and to collaborate and streamline processes for victim-centered care.
Intervention: The EPSART holds quarterly team meetings, case review, and opportunities for team training.
Results: Enhanced victim and public safety by facilitating investigations and enhancing prosecutions.

Project VISION
Updated/reviewed December 2021

Need: To reduce opioid use and increase quality of life in Rutland, Vermont.
Intervention: Project VISION works to reduce opioid use through community engagement.
Results: Since 2012, Project VISION has collected and disposed of 550 pounds of unused medications, reduced thefts by over 32%, and had a 50% improvement on a neighborhood quality of life survey.

Sexual Assault Nurse Exams through the National TeleNursing Center
Updated/reviewed April 2019

Need: Clinicians in rural areas are often unprepared to treat sexual assault victims after an assault.
Intervention: The National TeleNursing Center (NTC) in Massachusetts uses telemedicine to connect Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners to clinicians in remote areas, offering them guidance through examinations.
Results: Clinicians report that the help gives them confidence through the examination process and NTC has assisted in the care of over 300 patients.

Rural Project Examples: Criminal justice system