Under a measure unanimously approved by the state Senate on Wednesday, substance abuse disorder treatment, support, and transition programs may be designated as essential medical services in New York prisons.
The action is intended to address what lawmakers said was a gap in treatment programs currently available at correctional facilities.
“Combating the opioid overdose crisis in New York must include making medication-assisted treatment for individuals incarcerated in correctional facilities part of an essential health care course, along with other recovery programs and services. You have to,” State Senator Peter Harkam said. “We know how effective these methods are for substance use disorders. Our number one priority should be that our residents are healthy wherever they are.”
Treatment programs such as medication-assisted therapy with methadone and buprenorphine can help treat substance abuse disorders, but if a person is in prison, they may experience painful withdrawal symptoms.
At the same time, the measure aims to provide transitional services in state prisons, including piercing specialists and community treatment centers. Stated.
“The passage of this bill will further expand the reach of recovery services, helping individuals build recovery capital wherever they are in the recovery journal, regardless of their physical location,” said Friends of Executive Director. said Angelia Smith Wilson, Ph.D. Recovery NY.
New York has seen an increase in opioid overdose deaths over the past few years coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic.