Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Launches Sublocade Program to Combat Opioid Crisis

Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

Over the past several years, Humboldt County has endured devastating impacts from the opioid crisis, first with heroin and now fentanyl. Our rural community continues to experience overdose and death rates among the highest in California.

In response, the Humboldt County Correctional Facility (HCCF) developed a Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) program to provide opioid medications to incarcerated individuals struggling with addiction. While effective during custody, many participants declined to continue treatment after release, often leading to relapse and, tragically, overdose.

To bridge this critical gap, the Sheriff’s Office is launching a new initiative that will provide Sublocade. a long-acting monthly injection designed to support individuals as they transition from custody back into the community. Sublocade reduces cravings, blocks the effects of opioids, and significantly lowers the risk of overdose following release.

Until now, the high cost of Sublocade prevented HCCF from offering this treatment. Thanks to the advocacy of Sheriff William Honsal and his team, the Humboldt County Opioid Settlement Committee has approved $150,000 annually for the next three years to fund this life-saving program.

Beginning in October 2025, HCCF nursing staff will administer Sublocade injections to eligible participants in two priority groups:

• Individuals in the MAT program who are nearing release
• Individuals with severe mental illness who struggle to maintain daily Suboxone treatment

Sheriff William Honsal emphasized the importance of this new step forward:

“This voluntary program represents hope for those who desire help with their addiction. Too many lives in Humboldt County have been lost to fentanyl overdose. By providing Sublocade, we’re giving individuals leaving custody a real opportunity to break free from addiction and avoid overdose. This investment is about saving lives, protecting our community, and helping people rebuild their lives.”

The Sheriff’s Office remains committed to compassionate, innovative solutions that address the opioid crisis and safeguard the health and well-being of Humboldt County residents.

For more information about the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, please visit HumboldtSheriff.org.