Opioid Use Disorder and the COVID-19 Pandemic in Jail and Prison

During this time of uncertainty and vulnerability, incarcerated individuals are at a heightened risk of contracting COVID-19. It is important now more than ever to provide adequate, ongoing care for individuals with substance use disorders. Risk for these groups, like other vulnerable populations, is high. As the focus shifts to the novel Coronavirus, it is imperative that attention is still given to these underlying conditions that put people at heightened risk. Though issues such as OUD may not be getting the attention in the media as they had previously, the problem has not dissipated.

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Rising rates of opioid use disorder in Michigan county jail during COVID-19 pandemic demonstrate need to screen at booking

Emerging data collected by the Wayne State University School of Social Work Center for Behavioral Health and Justice (CBHJ) suggests that rates of opioid use disorder among individuals booked into Michigan jails are increasing, despite jails significantly reducing their populations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. With no end to the pandemic in sight, it is critical that Michigan's county jails implement standardized screening tools such as the Rapid Opioid Dependence Screen (RODS) to identify individuals booked into their facilities in need of treatment for opioid use disorder. Continue Reading

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Resources:

COVID-19 policy recommendations for OUD, pain, harm reduction (American Medical Association)

Taking action on opioid use disorder, pain & harm reduction during COVID-19 (American Medical Association)

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News & activities:

REPORT: Developing Pathways to Treatment: Proactive Response to Overdose and Appropriate Connections to Treatment (PROACT)

CBHJ develops support teams for jail clinicians across the state

CBHJ convenes hundreds of community partners for inaugural Opioid Treatment Ecosystem Summit

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In the News:

Opioid treatment in jails needs 3 drugs, experts say (Spartan News Room)