As many are aware, Michigan is currently facing an opioid abuse epidemic that is devastating families from every corner of our state.

In the last year, we have made great strides in combating the rapidly growing problem. The governor’s Prescription Drug and Opioid Abuse Taskforce put forth several recommendations on how we can fight back, and the Legislature codified several of them into law.

In fact, we are still working on countless initiatives that can help remove Michigan from the list of states that have been hardest hit by opioid overdoses.

In 2004, then-Gov. Jennifer Granholm approved a bill that would allow outpatient treatment for individuals suffering from a mental illness. Kevin’s Law gave courts the ability to order outpatient treatment for individuals with a serious mental illness who do not meet the current criteria for involuntary hospitalization but who have been determined to need treatment to protect themselves and others.

In 2016 the Legislature made revisions to Kevin’s Law that would pave the way for including treatment for those suffering from addiction.

With the ability to now include these types of treatment, the Legislature is funding two new pilot programs in this year’s budget cycle, both of which are aimed at assisting individuals who are addicted to some form of opioid, whether it is prescription pills, heroin or something else. 

The two programs, included in the judiciary and corrections budgets, are aimed at treating inmates who suffer from opioid abuse once they are released from the system.

Currently, Medication Assisted Treatment programs allow for either the courts or the Michigan Department of Corrections to treat opioid addiction. These programs will cover the time an individual is in prison. If treatment is a condition of parole or probation, that time will be covered as well.

The problem is that the necessary treatment comes to an abrupt end when the individual is released from prison, or completes their probation or parole obligations. These pilot programs will provide additional care for a period of time after the person is out on their own.

The measure is meant to help people from relapsing as soon as they are released from custody — which typically happens when a newly released inmate is unable to afford continuing treatment.

I support both the judiciary and corrections versions of these programs because we need to lend a hand to those who struggle with drug addiction.

Addiction is not specific to any population or location. It can affect anyone, and we all need to do our part to release our state from its stranglehold.

Sen. John Proos, R-St. Joseph, represents southwest Michigan.