LANSING, Mich. (June 6, 2025) — Many individuals exiting a county jail face significant challenges in accessing the medications they need, jeopardizing their health care and putting them at greater risk for health complications and recidivism.
Research shows that providing continued health services to individuals involved in the justice system, like access to prescription drugs, can improve their health and reduce the likelihood of reoffending. That’s why Sen. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing) introduced Senate Bill 384 that would ensure individuals leaving incarceration continue to take their prescribed medications.
“Protecting public health and safety starts with smart, preventative action,” said Sen. Anthony. “This bill ensures that when individuals are released from jail, they can continue essential medical treatment — reducing the risk of relapse, reoffending, and costly emergency interventions. This will have a direct impact on our county jails statewide, and I’m proud to partner with the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association on this commonsense solution.”
Under Sen. Anthony‘s bill, county jails would be reclassified as public health programs, allowing newly released inmates to receive a 30-day supply of their prescribed medication, enabling them to maintain their health and stability during a critical transition period. This would also provide the necessary time to find health coverage and establish connections with health care providers, further supporting their journey toward rehabilitation.
“Michigan sheriffs constantly engage in efforts to increase public safety. A key component of public safety is the prevention of recidivism and the creation of new victims. Those addicted to narcotics are likely to become recidivists unless steps for intervention are implemented,” said Matthew M. Saxton, executive director of the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association. Sheriffs who operate Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT) Programs do so to assist individuals to desist from drug use. This bill provides additional means for specific individuals to desist from drug use and abuse while they are incarcerated and when they transition from a custodial environment into the public domain. The Michigan Sheriffs’ Association is thankful to those legislators who recognized the linkage between public safety and the need to maintain valuable medical treatment.”
By addressing the health care needs of those re-entering society, Sen. Anthony and her colleagues are taking a crucial step toward breaking the cycle of incarceration and fostering a healthier, more integrated community.