Washington Parish Sheriff Joins Forces With ADAPT, Inc.

On Wednesday (June 25, 2025), Washington Parish Sheriff Smith and ADAPT, Inc. Executive Director
Rusty Fornea signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that will bring their organizations together in the battle against substance abuse in Washington Parish. The MOU marks a significant step forward for the Sheriff’s Office as they will now have new tools at their disposal to deal with those suffering from substance abuse and mental health disorders.

The majority of the crimes committed in Washington Parish are linked to the use, sale, or trafficking of illicit drugs. Often, mental health and behavioral disorders are closely tied to illegal drug use and abuse. This puts our Deputies in constant contact with drug addicts and those suffering from mental health disorders in their day-to-day duties.

As a result, the Washington Parish Jail serves as a natural funnel for drug users and abusers, and creates an opportunity for the Sheriff and ADAPT’s rehab specialists to identify and treat individuals for substance use disorder and mental illness. The collaboration, guided by the newly signed MOU under HRSA Grant #G28RH46312, reflects a shared commitment to health-focused public safety strategies.

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.

“This is about saving lives,” said Sheriff 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.