.jpg)
Bill promotes drug-assisted treatment for addicted jail inmates
- Thomas Aurigemma
- Mar 20, 2019
- 3 min read
https://www.recorder.com/Medication-Assisted-Treatment-expanding-at-jails-19214771
Medication-assisted treatment for inmates at the Franklin County Jail was seen as a factor in a 60 percent drop in countywide opioid-related deaths in 2017. Now, the program is serving as the model for a pilot included in a bill adopted Tuesday by the state Legislature.
The opioid legislation establishes medication-assisted treatment at five county jails, including the Franklin County Jail, the Hampshire County Jail and House of Correction and the correctional facilities in Hampden, Middlesex and Norfolk counties.
With medication-assisted treatment, inmates with an addiction will receive drugs such as Suboxone to ease withdrawal symptoms and lower the risk of relapse when they’re released.
The pilot program will allow those with a medication-assisted treatment prescription verified by a physician to continue the treatment regimen while incarcerated.
In addition, medication-assisted treatment options will be made available for inmates for whom such treatment is determined to be medically appropriate by a qualified addiction specialist 30 days prior to their release.
Participants in the pilot program will return to their communities with a coordinated post-release health plan to ensure continuity of care, according to the legislation.
During the pilot program, data will be collected. The information will be given to public agencies.
The program in Franklin County has included a licensed person who can properly evaluate each inmate and those who are on pretrial detention, if qualified, will be started on a Suboxone regimen.
Franklin County Sheriff Christopher Donelan said the jail has seen a prisoners coping better with detoxing and a decrease in behavioral problems.
“When people leave here they are more stable. They have a doctor’s appointment and a treatment regimen,” Donelan said.
It has been worthwhile, he said, to see the 60 percent reduction in opioid deaths in the county last year.
Donelan said he is pleased that the Legislature took the approach of having each county jail use the same techniques, which will allow more accurate information and data collection.
Donelan said he and Hampshire County Sheriff Patrick Cahillane are jointly seeking a $1.5 million federal grant, over a three-year period, that would provide more financial resources for treatment programs and personnel at both the Greenfield and Northampton jails.
Massachusetts Sheriffs’ Association President Peter J. Koutoujian said in a statement that the statewide pilot program will expand upon innovative and nationally recognized work already taking place.
“This approach is balanced, thoughtful and will provide data to drive best practices for us and our colleagues not just locally, but nationally,” Koutoujian said.
In addition to administering medication while individuals are incarcerated, the five sheriffs’ offices will provide treatment staff and post-release continuity of care to assist those in recovery. This will be done in collaboration with the Department of Public Health, the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security and MassHealth.
Funding question
Cherry Sullivan, program director at the county’s opioid prevention coalition Hampshire HOPE, said the legislation could be a game changer.
But legislators also need to make sure that the bill comes with funding.
“The spirit of the legislation is right on, but the state needs to help fund this,” Sullivan said.
There is no money attached to the pilot program yet, though funds may be made available by the time of its scheduled launch in September 2019.
The transition from jail back to the community, Sullivan said, is one of the most high-risk times for those addicted to heroin and other opioids.
“We know it’s a very dangerous time for people who have had opioid addictions,” Sullivan said.
Statistics show that there is a 120 percent increase in the risk of fatal overdoses in the first three months after release, compared to the general population, Sullivan said.
Donelan said he has included medication-assisted treatment in the operating budget for his jail and has prioritized this even if it means running a deficit.
The pilot program will take effect in September 2019, pending the approval of Gov. Charlie Baker, though Cahillane said he is confident the program may be able to start before then.
The legislation should help reduce police and medical calls related to opioid use, Cahillane said, continuing a trend of jails being on the front line for opioid treatment for much of the past 40 years, with the exception of the 1980s, when the so-called “war on drugs” reduced or eliminated money for treatment.
A bill promoting drug-assisted treatment for addicted jail inmates could be a critical step toward reducing recidivism and improving public health. Providing access to medications like methadone or buprenorphine helps manage withdrawal symptoms, supports recovery, and lowers the risk of overdose after release. This approach treats addiction as a medical condition rather than solely a criminal issue. Much like expert Mobile Phone Repairs In Melbourne restore functionality and reliability, evidence-based treatment restores stability and hope for individuals working to rebuild their lives.
A bill promoting drug-assisted treatment for addicted jail inmates represents a progressive step toward rehabilitation, reducing relapse rates, and improving public health outcomes. Providing access to evidence-based care in correctional facilities can help break cycles of addiction and incarceration. Similarly, a Spices ingredients importer in Sharjah is dedicated to delivering consistent quality and support, ensuring the needs of communities are met with reliability and care.
Promoting drug-assisted treatment for addicted jail inmates is a positive step toward rehabilitation and reducing recidivism. Addressing addiction as a health issue rather than solely a criminal one can lead to better outcomes for individuals and communities. Providing proper medical care in correctional facilities helps break the cycle of substance abuse. In a different way, supporting cultural industries like Pakistani Clothes Online also contributes to healthier, more connected communities. Both show how access to the right resources can create meaningful change.
Bill promotes drug-assisted treatment for addicted jail inmates, aiming to provide evidence-based care that can reduce relapse rates, improve rehabilitation outcomes, and enhance community safety upon release. By integrating medication-assisted therapy with counseling and support services, the initiative addresses addiction as a health issue rather than solely a criminal one. As committed High voltage transformer specialists, we know the value of reliable systems—whether delivering consistent electrical power or ensuring people receive the resources they need to rebuild their lives. Programs like this create stronger, healthier communities.
Bill’s support for drug-assisted treatment for addicted jail inmates is a progressive step toward real rehabilitation rather than punishment. Providing proper care can break the cycle of addiction and reduce recidivism. It’s great to see focus shifting toward health-based solutions. Just like maintaining well-being, regular solar panel cleaning in Sydney is essential for maximizing efficiency and sustainability. Both are smart moves for a brighter future.