ADAPT and Sheriff’s Office Renew Partnership to Address Substance Use and Behavioral Health Crisis

Published 12:00 pm Saturday, July 5, 2025

SPECIAL TO THE DAILY NEWS

ADAPT, Inc. and the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office (WPSO) have renewed a vital new partnership aimed at transforming the local response to substance use disorder (SUD), opioid use disorder (OUD), and behavioral health challenges throughout Washington Parish. The collaboration, guided by a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding under HRSA Grant #G28RH46312, reflects a shared commitment to health-focused public safety strategies.

 Signed by Sheriff Jason Smith and ADAPT Executive Director Rusty Fornea, the partnership supports the goals of Project ADAPT—a community initiative focused on prevention, education, treatment access, and recovery support. “This partnership is a leap forward in how our community addresses addiction and mental health,” said Rusty Fornea. “By working hand-in-hand with law enforcement, we can ensure that individuals get the help they need rather than falling through the cracks.”

 Through this collaboration:

· ADAPT will provide WPSO officers with specialized training in harm reduction, overdose response using naloxone (Narcan), trauma-informed approaches, and Mental Health First Aid.

· Narcan kits and fentanyl test strips will be made available to WPSO deputies to use in emergency overdose situations.

· WPSO personnel will work closely with Project ADAPT’s peer support specialists to identify incarcerated individuals who may benefit from recovery services and assist in comprehensive reentry planning.

· Both organizations will advocate for improved access to treatment for incarcerated individuals and share community resource information to streamline referrals to housing, employment, and recovery support.

 Project ADAPT is led by Program Director Rhonda Gunnell and supported by a dedicated team including Cheryl Bruton (Data Analyst), Becky Stogner (Addictions Counselor), and peer support specialists Joey Peterson and Ruben Watts. The team operates out of ADAPT’s headquarters at 216 Memphis Street in Bogalusa.

 “This is about saving lives,” said Sheriff Jason Smith. “Our deputies are on the front lines every day, and with the training and resources provided by ADAPT, we’ll be better equipped to respond to overdose emergencies and support individuals on a path to recovery.”

 The agreement will remain in effect through August 31, 2026, with both organizations committed to ongoing evaluation, open communication, and strengthening this essential alliance.

For more information on Project ADAPT or available resources, visit www.adaptwp.org or call (985) 735-0160.