The Urgent Need for Medication Treatment Programs in Jails: A Look at Oregon's Approach

In Oregon, the tragic death of Kendra Sawyer at the Deschutes County jail has sparked not only a lawsuit but a serious conversation about the treatment of opioid addiction within the state's jail system. Kendra's father, Kent, alleges that the jail failed to provide his daughter with the necessary medication to help ease her opioid withdrawal symptoms. This incident has stirred up the conversation at a time when Oregon is contemplating rolling back Measure 110, the state's drug decriminalization law, in response to the fentanyl crisis and a surge in overdose deaths.

The Urgency of Medication Treatment Programs in Jails

The need for medication treatment programs in jails is evident. Approximately 60% of people in American jails have substance use disorders, and overdose is the leading cause of death for individuals recently released from incarceration. The absence of opioid addiction medication in these facilities has led to distressing outcomes, as seen in the case of Colin Conner. Colin tragically died of a fentanyl overdose after his medication was discontinued during his imprisonment. Such incidents have led to lawsuits against jails that have neglected to provide necessary treatment.

The Legislative Response

In response to these alarming trends and tragic incidents, Oregon lawmakers are proposing more funding for medication treatment programs in jails. This bipartisan proposal, backed by public health advocates and some in law enforcement, aims to allow jails to apply for grants from a $10 million fund to create or expand medication treatment programs. The plan mirrors efforts in other states, such as Utah and New York, where laws have been passed requiring jails to provide medication for opioid use disorder to inmates.

However, it should be noted that only a fraction of jails currently provide opioid addiction medication to people who had prescriptions before incarceration. The proposed legislation and additional funding are expected to bring about significant changes in this regard. States like Washington and Utah are also considering allocating additional funding for jail-based treatment programs, reflecting a growing national recognition of the importance of providing medication treatment in jails.

Addressing the Fentanyl Crisis and Overdoses

The urgency of these measures is underscored by the fentanyl crisis, which has fueled a spike in overdose deaths. In Oregon, there has been a sharp increase in opioid overdoses, and lawmakers are determined to address the crisis. Methadone, a widely studied and effective treatment for opioid addiction, has not received state funds for expansion in the last 11 years. Increased funding is desperately needed; the state could use up to twice as many opioid treatment programs to prescribe methadone to combat the fentanyl epidemic.

The Controversy Over Measure 110

Even as these efforts to expand treatment options are underway, Oregon's Measure 110, which transformed the way drug possession and addiction were treated by the criminal legal system, faces potential rollback. Critics argue that the implementation of the measure has faced challenges, with police encounters not effectively leading to rehab. Despite this, forced treatment is not an effective solution and can cause harm and a higher risk of overdose. Therefore, Oregon should invest in proven solutions, such as housing first strategies and strategies that reduce evictions, to address homelessness, substance use disorders, and overdose.

The proposed funding in Oregon and other states reflects a growing recognition of the importance of providing medication treatment in jails to save lives and support recovery. The success of such programs in reducing recidivism rates highlights the importance of addressing the treatment needs of incarcerated individuals. It is a crucial step towards a more humane and effective approach to dealing with substance use disorders in the criminal justice system.