ROCKVILLE, Md. — Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian and Arlington Police Chief Fred Ryan were among the national experts to participate in a discussion on implementation of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) programs on Monday, January 29.
Koutoujian and Ryan were invited to participate in the dialogue convened by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administrationhttps://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline (SAMHSA) and the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) due to their leadership in implementing programs to assist individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs). The goal of the convening was to develop guidance for implementing MAT programs across the criminal justice system to assist individuals with SUDs.
Koutoujian and Ryan are nationally recognized leaders for their efforts to address the opioid crisis in Massachusetts. In addition to participating in the convening, Koutoujian has previously presented on the MSO’s Medication Assisted Treatment and Opioid Recovery (MATADOR) program at the White House, while Chief Ryan has testified before the United States Senate regarding the Arlington Opiate Outreach Initiative.
“I want to thank SAMHSA and the BJA for the invitation to participate today,” said Koutoujian. “As we all seek to stem the tide of the opioid epidemic, nothing could be more important than learning from one another and sharing best practices. This convening provided an opportunity to do both.”
“Those with Substance Use Disorders are our neighbors, friends, and loved ones, and law enforcement stands on the front lines of the battle against this epidemic,” Ryan said. “I am grateful to participate in a dialog with other leaders on this subject, including my friend and colleague Sheriff Koutoujian.”
