Scaling medications for opioid use disorder across U.S. prisons
Official title: Testing MOUD Scale-Up Strategies in Criminal Legal Settings
Run by University of Wisconsin, Madison · NCT07224516 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will test two ways to increase use of medications for opioid use disorder in prisons to help incarcerated people stay safer and healthier during incarceration and reentry.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Wisconsin, Madison Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Madison, Wisconsin) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 5, 2026 |
| Main results expected | August 2028 |
| Study ends | August 2028 |
| Registry record updated | February 13, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07224516 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal participants are people with opioid use disorder who are incarcerated in participating correctional facilities that agree to provide MOUD, have leadership support, and can commit funds and data for the study period.
✕Probably not a fit
People who are incarcerated in facilities that do not participate, those without opioid use disorder, or individuals who cannot access MOUD at their site may not receive benefit from this project.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
The project uses a systems-change approach to expand medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) across 120 prisons in 12 U.S. states. Researchers will compare two implementation strategies—a policy academy and a multisite learning collaborative—that are commonly used in healthcare and community programs. Sites must commit leadership support, funding for medications, and data sharing for 24 months. The focus on MOUD is driven by strong evidence for its clinical benefits, low current use in many correctional settings, and a high risk of overdose after release.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, more incarcerated people could get continuous access to MOUD in prison and after release, lowering overdose risk and improving health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Medications for opioid use disorder are well supported by clinical evidence, and implementation methods like learning collaboratives have shown promise in other sectors, but large-scale prison-wide scale-up remains relatively untested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria - Sites: * Have an interest in embedding or increasing the use of MOUD within their site * Have the funds to pay for medication for the duration of the study (24 months) * Agree to implement or continue the use of at least one medication for opioid use disorder * Have leadership support at all levels including from Secretary of DOC, medical director, wardens, etc. * Sign a memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or Information Sheet * Agree to provide data described in the Information Sheet Exclusion Criteria: * Failure to meet eligibility criteria
Where it's running
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, Wisconsin, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Todd Molfenter, PhD — University of Wisconsin, Madison
- Study coordinator: Jessica Vechinski, MSW
- Email: jvechinski@wisc.edu
- Phone: 414-899-4324
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.