SAFE GC Coalition: Opioid Use Disorder Treatment for Incarcerated

The connection between the criminal justice system and substance abuse is well known. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), about 65% of people who are incarcerated are known to have a substance use disorder. A recent study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) argued for the need to engage and involve the criminal justice system in dealing with the opioid epidemic, including reducing overdose deaths.

Currently, there are three FDA-approved drugs for the treating opioid use disorder: buprenorphine, methadone and naltrexone. Treatment with medication has been shown to be the most effective option for people addicted to opioids.

The Nassau County Department of Human Services August Newsletter announced a new program- Medication Assisted Treatment Collaboration with the Nassau County Correctional Center. The Opioid Treatment Program in collaboration with Nassau County Correctional Center will be providing methadone treatment for clients who are incarcerated and who it has been determined are enrolled in a Methadone maintenance treatment program. This initiative began the first week in August.

Currently, inmates are receiving comfort medication and suboxone. Inmates that are enrolled in “out of county” Methadone Maintenance Treatment Programs will become “guests” at Nassau County Opioid Treatment Program which will allow Nassau County Opioid Treatment Program the ability to provide methadone to this inmate population through a collaboration with Nassau County Correctional Center’s medical unit/pharmacy department. This initiative will allow for continuity of care for inmates who are receiving methadone and who are enrolled in methadone maintenance treatment programs and enhance retention in treatment upon release.

To learn more about JAMA please visit https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2687053.

The SAFE Glen Cove Coalition is conducting an opioid prevention awareness campaign entitled "Keeping Glen Cove SAFE" to educate and update the community regarding opioid use and its consequences. To learn more about the SAFE Glen Cove Coalition please follow us on www.facebook.com/safeglencovecoalition or visit SAFE’s website to learn more about the Opioid Epidemic at www.safeglencove.org.