Every month, we’re bringing you the top news in addiction treatment and justice services from publications around the country. In addition, we’ll share what we’re reading as our team creates and updates evidence-based curricula and training for our partners around the world.
Addiction Treatment | Justice Services | What We're Reading
Addiction Treatment
Headline
When naloxone isn’t enough: How technology can save lives when people use drugs alone
What
As the opioid crisis continues, new research from Brown and Rhode Island Hospital explores technology-assisted drug overdose prevention. These technologies include telephone-based interventions, mobile applications, stationary wired/wireless devices and wearable biosensors. These experimental systems aim to provide a timely response so help is rapidly available in the event of an overdose.
Why this matters
Until naloxone availability reaches scale, these technologies may offer hope in a time of crisis without costly 24/7 monitoring.
Headline
US backs study of safe injection sites, overdose prevention
What
New York University and Brown University have received a $5 million federal grant to study safe injection sites with 1,000 participants. Safe injection sites are facilities where individuals can use drugs under medical supervision, reducing the risk of fatal overdoses and providing access to healthcare services. The study will focus on savings (in terms of lives saved and financial impact) for health care and criminal justice systems.
Why this matters
While the ethics of safe injection sites are debated, this could mean data can be gleaned on their validity and outcomes, paving the way for policy changes and new ways of supporting victims of the opioid crisis.
Justice Services
Headline
Biden-Harris administration takes action during Second Chance Month to strengthen public safety, improve rehabilitation in jails and prisons and support successful reentry
What
The Biden-Harris administration has released a strategic plan outlining their efforts to enhance public safety, promote rehabilitation in jails and prisons and support successful reentry for individuals exiting the criminal justice system. The initiatives include expanding access to educational programs, job training and mental health services for incarcerated individuals. The administration also aims to improve the availability of housing, employment opportunities and supportive services to facilitate successful reintegration into society and reduce recidivism.
Why this matters
The Alternatives, Rehabilitation, and Reentry Strategic Plan builds upon the previous Safer America Plan with over 100 concrete policy actions. This plan is an important step in supporting successful reentry and diversion.
Headline
A model for criminal justice reform: How New York City lowered its jail population and crime rates
What
New York City has led the way in crime prevention and reentry. Over the last 20 years, NYC has achieved a murder rate (4.5 per 100,000) and a jail incarceration rate (66 per 100,000) well below the national rates (6.5 murder and 192 jail). Experts credit strict gun control laws, the novel NYPD COMPStat analytic program, a pretrial services agency with risk assessment system, proper supervision of released defendants and the strong funding of community-based programs and services.
Why this matters
Studying NYC's success may shed light on what future policies are needed to improve crime rates and incarceration rates across the country.
What We’re Reading
In Energize Your Workplace: How to Create and Sustain High-Quality Connections at Work Jane Dutton provides a guide to transforming workplace dynamics. Drawing from her extensive research, she explores the concept of "high-quality connections" and how they can foster engagement, resilience and creativity.