Sachini Bandara1, Alene Kennedy-Hendricks, Sydney Merritt, Colleen L Barry, Brendan Saloner. 1. Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD (SB, CLB, BS); Johns Hopkins Center for Mental Health and Addiction Policy Research, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD (SB, AKH, CLB, BS); Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD (AKH, SM, CLB, BS).
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To describe how the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has affected opioid agonist treatment (OAT) programs in jails and prisons. METHODS: In May 2020, we conducted an online survey of 19 carceral systems that provided methadone and/or buprenorphine treatment for incarcerated populations before COVID-19. Eleven survey items examined challenges and changes to these programs as a result of the pandemic. Sixteen of 19 programs (84%) responded to the survey. RESULTS: Ten out of 16 systems reported downsizing their OAT programs. Seven of 16 systems made changes to medication dispensation processes. Half of systems report challenges implementing physical distancing (n = 8), and/or obtaining personal protective equipment (n = 8). In 13 out of 16 systems some OAT program participants were released early due to COVID-19 infection risk. CONCLUSIONS: Jails and prisons with existing OAT programs have curtailed their operations in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the robust evidence base around OAT for treating opioid use disorder and averting overdose deaths, guidance is needed on maintaining and ramping up medication access as carceral facilities grapple with implementing COVID-19 mitigation.
OBJECTIVES: To describe how the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has affected opioid agonist treatment (OAT) programs in jails and prisons. METHODS: In May 2020, we conducted an online survey of 19 carceral systems that provided methadone and/or buprenorphine treatment for incarcerated populations before COVID-19. Eleven survey items examined challenges and changes to these programs as a result of the pandemic. Sixteen of 19 programs (84%) responded to the survey. RESULTS: Ten out of 16 systems reported downsizing their OAT programs. Seven of 16 systems made changes to medication dispensation processes. Half of systems report challenges implementing physical distancing (n = 8), and/or obtaining personal protective equipment (n = 8). In 13 out of 16 systems some OAT program participants were released early due to COVID-19infection risk. CONCLUSIONS: Jails and prisons with existing OAT programs have curtailed their operations in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the robust evidence base around OAT for treating opioid use disorder and averting overdose deaths, guidance is needed on maintaining and ramping up medication access as carceral facilities grapple with implementing COVID-19 mitigation.
Authors: Keith Humphreys; Chelsea L Shover; Christina M Andrews; Amy S B Bohnert; Margaret L Brandeau; Jonathan P Caulkins; Jonathan H Chen; Mariano-Florentino Cuéllar; Yasmin L Hurd; David N Juurlink; Howard K Koh; Erin E Krebs; Anna Lembke; Sean C Mackey; Lisa Larrimore Ouellette; Brian Suffoletto; Christine Timko Journal: Lancet Date: 2022-02-02 Impact factor: 202.731
Authors: Elizabeth T Chin; Theresa Ryckman; Lea Prince; David Leidner; Fernando Alarid-Escudero; Jason R Andrews; Joshua A Salomon; David M Studdert; Jeremy D Goldhaber-Fiebert Journal: medRxiv Date: 2021-03-08
Authors: Gavin T Hall; Daniel S Cruz; Patrick M Lank; Danielle M McCarthy; Howard S Kim Journal: J Addict Med Date: 2021 Jul-Aug 01 Impact factor: 4.647
Authors: Anh Truc Vo; Thomas Patton; Amy Peacock; Sarah Larney; Annick Borquez Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-07-21 Impact factor: 4.614
Authors: Elizabeth T Chin; Theresa Ryckman; Lea Prince; David Leidner; Fernando Alarid-Escudero; Jason R Andrews; Joshua A Salomon; David M Studdert; Jeremy D Goldhaber-Fiebert Journal: J Gen Intern Med Date: 2021-07-21 Impact factor: 5.128