Tackling substance abuse in the Big Horn Basin

Northern Wyoming Treatment Court’s commitment to community health

The Northern Wyoming Treatment Court (NWTC) would like to take a moment to express our deep appreciation for the tremendous support we have received as we work to address the pressing issue of substance abuse in the Big Horn Basin. While we are fortunate to live in a close-knit, beautiful region where neighbors know each other by name, we are not immune to the struggles that so many other communities face. Among these is substance abuse, which stands out as a significant concern.

The data paints a sobering picture. According to the Wyoming Department of Health, opioid-involved overdose deaths in Big Horn and Washakie Counties are higher than in neighboring areas. Between 2018 and 2022, Big Horn County reported 10.6 opioid-related overdose deaths per 100,000 people, while Washakie County’s rate was 13.6 per 100,000. These figures are particularly concerning when compared to those in adjacent counties. Furthermore, a 2022 study by Pustz et al. highlighted the vulnerability of nearby Hot Springs County, where the rates of opioid-related fatalities have climbed significantly, underscoring the urgency of addressing this epidemic at the local level. 

Substance abuse is not just a public health issue; it’s a community-wide challenge. In rural areas like ours, the impact of substance abuse is felt deeply by families, friends, neighbors, and entire communities. Whether it’s the ripple effect of crime, the drain on public resources, or the personal loss of potential and contribution to the community, we all bear the burden when one of our own is affected by addiction.

That’s where the Northern Wyoming Treatment Court comes in. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, NWTC utilizes the nationally recognized drug court model to help individuals struggling with substance use disorder find recovery. This approach is rooted in accountability, combining rigorous support with clear expectations for participants. What sets it apart is its holistic integration with the justice system: cases are overseen by a judge, and key figures such as prosecutors, defense attorneys, law enforcement officers, treatment providers, and program staff all working together as a collaborative team. We are fortunate to work with Open Spaces LLC, an experienced substance abuse treatment provider. Probation agents are also important partners for the drug court program. This integrated model has proven effective in guiding individuals toward lasting recovery while ensuring public safety and community well-being. It is the collaborative efforts of all the team members that make this program a success.

Northern Wyoming Treatment Court enrolled 16 participants in 2023, 13 in 2024, and one in early 2025 for a total of 30 people who have been or are currently being served since the program began. We had 22 participants actively engaged in 2024. On average it takes 12 to 18 months of work in the program to graduate. As such, we are actively working with more participants than we enroll in a given year. So far, nine participants have graduated since the program started in 2023, and we look forward to another seven graduations in the first half of 2025. 

Now in our second year of operation, the NWTC has become firmly established, fueled by the continued generosity of our community. As a recipient of grant funding from the Wyoming Judicial Branch we are solidly focused on delivering services to a high standard. With a solid foundation the program can look toward expanding our services to meet the growing demand. The Big Horn and Washakie County Boards of Commissioners have also been instrumental in supporting our mission by allocating opioid settlement funds for our first and second years of operation. We want to also express our deep gratitude to the Gordon and Edna Sykes Endowment Fund at the Wyoming Community Foundation for a generous $15,000 grant, which exceeded our original request. These funds have allowed us to purchase crucial supplies and services needed for effective program delivery. This funding has been critical to filling in gaps during our first full year of service delivery.

These investments in the Northern Wyoming Treatment Court are investments in the health and well-being of our entire community. By supporting individuals as they work through their recovery, we are not only helping them reclaim their lives but also strengthening the fabric of our society as a whole.

We have seen some great success stories. This includes parents who were able to have their parental rights restored and children returned to their homes through the course of their work in the program, moving beyond addiction and becoming self-sufficient. These and the many other successes of participants like gaining employment, pursuing education, paying off fines, and reconciling with family while maintaining sobriety for weeks then months and beyond is the type of change we aim to see.

We are immensely grateful for the ongoing support of our local partners, donors, and community members. Together, we are making a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by substance abuse. To learn more about our program and how you can help, please visit our newly launched website at nwytreatmentcourt.org.

In a region like the Big Horn Basin, where community ties run deep, addressing substance abuse is a collective responsibility. The Northern Wyoming Treatment Court is proud to be a part of this effort, and with your continued support, we can make lasting change.

(Sabrina Burke is director of the Northern Wyoming Treatment Court. She can be reached by email at nwtc@bhcounty.com.)