VIRUTAL POSTER Expansion of Opioid Risk Screening and Interventions in ND Jails...

Incarcerated persons in North Dakota’s jails and prisons are underserved and are at very high risk of opioid-related harms. Nationally, the number one cause of death for individuals who are released from jail or prison is opioid overdose. Opioid harm reduction in jails and prisons is crucial to prevent overdose deaths, reduce the spread of infectious diseases, and provide necessary treatment for individuals with opioid use disorder. It supports rehabilitation, reduces stigma, and promotes public health, ultimately improving outcomes for both incarcerated individuals and society at large. Justice-involved individuals have a high burden of addiction and overdose risk resulting in a 10 times greater risk for opioid overdose for individuals recently released from prison, and 85% of all incoming offenders of the ND Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation have substance use disorders

The ONE Program is currently working in partnership with 4 ND jails and prisons to bring opioid risk screening, education, opioid risk prevention interventions, and data collection to people who are incarcerated. This program has made an impact in the state, including increased naloxone acceptance by incarcerated individuals upon their release.

Expansion of this program will bring additional benefits to incarcerated individuals and the communities into which they are released. The researchers created infographics and other informational materials and are disseminating them through various correctional, legislative and healthcare networks in the state to promote awareness and additional buy-in to expand the opioid risk screening and educational program to other correctional facilities in ND. The presentation will highlight the collaborative partnerships, informational dissemination, and interprofessional connections involved to grow and expand this vital intervention for the vulnerable population of justice-involved individuals.