Michelle McKenzie, MPH¹, Josiah D. Rich, MD, MPH², Stephanie L Sanford-Colby, MPH³, David Shield, BA¹, Fang Ma, MPH³, Marah Mattheus-Kairys, BA¹, Christina L. Anastacio, BSW¹, and Grace E. Macalino, PhD³. (1) Department of Immunology, The Miriam Hospital, 164 Summit Avenue - CFAR Bldg., Providence, RI 02906, 401/793-4790, MMcKenzie@lifespan.org, (2) Department of Immunology, The Miriam Hospital /Brown University, 164 Summit Avenue, Providence, RI 02906, (3) Brown University, 169 Angell St., Box GS-2, Providence, RI 02912

Background: Nearly 20% of inmates are heroin users. Methadone treatment is widely used for opiate dependence and effectively reduces injection, criminal behavior, and HIV and hepatitis risks. By increasing access to methadone for people recently released from incarceration with opiate addiction, we hope to reduce recidivism, improve health, and increase personal stability. Methods: Recruitment occurs at the prison, in community agencies, and participant word-of-mouth. MOD staff arrange the first clinic appointment, assist with necessary documentation and with transportation. MOD provides financial assistance by covering 100% of methadone treatment costs for three months then 50% of costs for three months. MOD staff also work with participants to secure alternative methods of payment (i.e. jobs, Medicaid). Assessments occur at baseline, six, and twelve months. Results: Between May 2003 and February 2004, we have enrolled 169 participants. Our clients are 68% male, and 73% White, 14% Latino, 9% African American. Eighty-four percent report current herion use and 78% injection drug use. Fourteen percent report being homeless, 58% doubling up with friends/family and 87% report being unemployed. We have completed six month assessments for 53 participants. Sixty-six percent (n=35) are still in treatment, 34% (n=18) have been discharged. Of those participants still in treatment, most have paid half the costs of methadone treatment themselves (n=22) and 13 have obtained Medicaid or other state subsidized care. Conclusion: Methadone treatment linkage coupled with financial assistance for recently released inmates with opiate addiction is a promising HIV prevention and drug treatment strategy.

Learning Objectives: At the conclustion of this session the participant will be able to

• Discuss the importance of methadone treatment for opiate addicted individuals recently released from prison.
• Be able to describe the experience of Project MOD in maintaining participants in methadone treatment and the impact of providing financial assistance to those individuals.
• Discuss outcomes of methadone treatment for individual who have been actively enrolled for at least six months.

Keywords: Substance Abuse Treatment, Injection Drug Users

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.