Developing and Testing an Opioid Overdose Prevention Program for Criminal Justice Clients

• In Event: Evaluations of Prisoner Reentry Programs

Abstract

Risk of opioid overdose death among ex-prisoners is significantly heightened during the first 2-4 weeks post-release. Community correctional facilities delivering services to ex-prisoners during these periods of heightened risk and community reintegration represent an opportunity to impact this public health issue by adopting Opioid Overdose Prevention Programs (OOPPs). OOPPs present a structured, replicable approach to education that has been shown to increase knowledge of overdose risk factors and overdose prevention and to increase application of such knowledge during overdose events. However, no studies have examined the outcomes of OOPPs delivered to high risk populations in correctional environments. Also lacking is evidence of the acceptability of these OOPPs by both correctional staff and clients as well as the feasibility of implementing them across a variety of correctional environments. Consequently, this study assesses the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of a targeted OOPP for program participants in secure or locked correctional programs. The study uses a prospective quasi-experimental design to test whether an enhanced OOPP is associated with better immediate, intermediate, and long-term outcomes compared to standard care. The study also assesses opinions of staff and participants regarding acceptability and feasibility of the enhanced OOPP. Preliminary results and implications will be presented.

Authors

• Kimberly Sperber, Talbert House

• Amber Nicole Manzo, University of Cincinnati

• Erin Winstanley, West Virginia University

• Bradley Buckmeier, University of Cincinnati