Sheriff Kevin F. Coppinger and the Essex County Sheriff’s Department recently welcomed correctional leaders and community partners from across the country for a two-day peer exchange on treating opioid use disorder in correctional settings. Officials said the gathering highlighted how Essex County has become a “national model” with its program of addiction treatment for those imprisoned and as one of the few correctional systems in the nation with its own licensed Opioid Treatment Program. Essex County’s program demonstrates that corrections can play a transformative role in saving lives and strengthening communities.”Sheriff’s officials shared the story of how the program was launched, challenges faced along the way and lessons learned. The goal is to give others a roadmap to take home to strengthen their own fight against the opioid crisis. Officials said attendees left with practical strategies and a toolkit designed to help them start or expand programs in their own counties.