During a morning press conference today, Affinia Healthcare and the St. Louis County Prosecutor’s Office announced their partnership to refer non-violent offenders to substance disorder treatment programs. Affinia Healthcare’s role will be to provide Medication Assisted Treatment to referred individuals in order to support their recovery from substance dependence.

Treatment outcomes are improved when individual needs are addressed through wraparound services such as employment, housing, healthcare, mental health, etc.  The community partners represent organizations providing these services.

“When nonviolent offenders receive treatment, they are less likely to reoffend, which can help break the cycle of escalation that so often starts with addiction or mental illness and ends in violent crime or death by drug overdose” said Wesley Bell, St. Louis County Prosecutor.

“Our organization is grateful for the opportunity to partner and provide a comprehensive approach to treatment of substance use disorders for individuals in need,” said Dr. Alan Freeman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Affinia Healthcare.

Partners in the collaboration are:

• Affinia Healthcare
• Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals
• Beyond Housing
• Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis
• Better Family Life
• Places for People