Santa Rita Jail

We all know or have heard about drugs being brought in to our local jails and prison systems, not only in California but all over the world. I’m unclear what can be done if anything to stop this from happening?

Is being incarcerated instead of mandatory rehabilitation programs helping those with addiction? My opinion is probably not.

Recently I was told of a young man who overdosed on fentynal inside Alameda Co. Santa Rita Jail. His cell mate called for help saying that his cell mate was not breathing, allegedly the response time was slow. When officers did respond they allegedly would not administer cpr but did deliver Narcon or a similar medication meant to revive a person who has overdosed on an opiate and is unresponsive. In this case the first dose was not sufficient and had to administer a second. He was revived and transferred to Stanford at Valley Care in Pleasanton where he stayed until he was stable enough (2 days) to be transported back to jail.

While in the hospital he asked to contact his mother and was not permitted to do so. This young man overdosed and died, it was only after a second attempt with a drug that almost always will revive an overdose instantly that he was revived.

So a 25 yr old young man with a criminal history of stealing and drug offenses nearly dies while in custody, and making matters worse the family was never notified until he returned to the jail and was permitted to use the phone.

It’s just my opinion but this can’t be right?? Not the drugs in the system nor the lack of concern for the inmates safety or the lack of concern for the loved ones sitting at home thinking that their Son or Daughter may safer in in jail than dead on the streets from an overdose.

Each case is different I realize, but let’s get these non violent offenders the help they need!! In the end by not rehabilitating drug addicts we are creating more criminals and eventually more violent crimes.

Yes there is a choice not to take that first hit of a joint or have that first drink but addiction is not a way of life most people choose live in and if given the choice to change that first choice knowing the outcome the would have made different choices.