Jail Opioid Program Expands Treatment in Florida

Alachua County's partnership with Meridian Healthcare and Wellpath has enrolled 51 inmates in opioid use disorder treatment since February 2026.

Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Substance Abuse

Isometric editorial illustration of stacked white capsule forms on a teal base beside a small tray, in a muted cream and teal palette. — Alachua County's jail program with Meridian Healthcare and Wellpath has enrolled 51 inmates in opioid use disorder treatment since February 2026, with 91 screened. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Alachua County Sheriff's Office, Meridian Healthcare and Wellpath operate a jail program providing opioid use disorder treatment to inmates at no cost. Since the program began in February 2026, 91 inmates have been screened and 51 have enrolled.

Why it matters

Many people entering the correctional system come from communities with limited access to healthcare, so jail-based treatment reaches individuals who may otherwise go without care. Meridian's mobile clinic is intended to extend similar services to communities that lack established clinics.

Program figures cover all inmates screened since February 2026, with 51 of 91 screened inmates enrolled. Medication approval may take up to two weeks, and the extraction does not include any relapse or recovery outcome measures.

The players

Alachua County Sheriff's Office

The Alachua County Sheriff's Office runs the county jail where the opioid treatment program is delivered.

Meridian Healthcare

Meridian Healthcare is a healthcare provider operating medication-assisted treatment sites in north central Florida and a mobile clinic.

Wellpath

Wellpath is a correctional healthcare company that partners with the sheriff's office to deliver jail-based care.

The details

Intake begins with a medical screening at the Alachua County Jail, where most inmates report their own substance use. Meridian staff review medical records, conduct an in-person nursing assessment, and then hold a telehealth appointment with a medical provider, with staff visiting the jail up to three times a week.

February 2026: The sheriff's office, Meridian Healthcare and Wellpath partnership began.
Up to two weeks: Typical duration of the medication approval process.
Up to three times a week: Frequency of Meridian staff visits to the jail.

Health Landscape

Jail-based medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder extends a recognized standard of care into correctional facilities, which have historically had limited access to such services. Programs like this one in north central Florida reflect a broader effort to connect people leaving custody with continued treatment.

Inmates in the program receive medication, counseling and medical support at no cost, and Meridian schedules follow-up appointments before participants are released. Those leaving custody can keep continuity of care through these scheduled appointments.

The takeaway

Continuity of care at release is a key element of jail-based treatment, since scheduled follow-up appointments can help people maintain their recovery after leaving custody. Readers interested in substance use treatment access can look for similar programs in their own counties.