Harm Reduction Strategies – Fentanyl Screening
Although fentanyl test strips are a reliable tool, they are not currently approved for use in jails for medical purposes. These test strips are intended to detect fentanyl in urine or in substances such as unknown powder to protect individuals from accidental exposure or overdose.
A Deadly Mix – Xylazine Special Alert
Xylazine has no known antidote, so Narcan will likely not reverse the effects. Treatment includes protecting their airway and getting them to the hospital for medication to stabilize their heart rate and blood pressure.
Gaining Popularity: Street Drug “ISO”
ISO is not detectable by using tox screen test strips and can be lethal. If a detainee arrives to the jail looking intoxicated or sick, consider getting medical clearance before booking. Letting a detainee “sleep off” symptoms of intoxication can be dangerous.
“Sympathy Will Get You Killed”: Using Empathy in Corrections
Correctional officers know it can be difficult or dangerous to relate to or trust detainees. Yet, headlines that indicate a lack of compassion for incarcerated individuals are difficult to ignore.
MAT: Using a Tiered Approach
Jailer Thompson was livid. “I work my tail off to keep drugs and contraband out of my jail, and now I’m hearing about how we need to provide ‘medically assisted treatment’ for addicts that come in here! I can hardly stand to think about it!”