Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution in Correctional Facilities: Findings from a Process Evaluation in NY

• In Event: Emerging Areas for Substance Use/Misuse Research

Abstract

The distribution and administration of naloxone—an antidote that reverses the effects of opioid overdoses—has gained increasing support in communities, given rising rates of opioid overdose deaths across the United States. More recently, some model jurisdictions have started taking steps to adopt corrections-based overdose education and naloxone distribution programs for people leaving custody—a critical intervention point given the high rates of drug-related deaths that occur in the period following release from prison. This paper highlights findings from a process evaluation of New York State’s opioid overdose prevention and training program that was conducted by the Vera Institute of Justice in 2016 and 2017. It details how the program was implemented, describes facilitators and barriers associated with implementing harm reduction in a correctional setting, and examines how attitudes and knowledge changed among correctional officers and incarcerated people as a result of participating in the training. It also offers recommendations for the policies and practices needed for effective implementation in other jurisdictions.

Authors

• Leah Pope, Vera Institute of Justice

• Vedan Anthony-North, Vera Institute of Justice

• Isaac Sederbaum, Vera Institute of Justice