Emerging
Practices that show potential to achieve desirable public health outcomes in a specific real-life setting and produce early results that are consistent with the objectives of the activities and thus indicate effectiveness.

COVID-19 and treating incarcerated populations for opioid use disorder

Donelan, C. J., Hayes, E., Potee, R. A., Schwartz, L.,Evans, E. A.

Release Date:

Summary Report/Recommendations

Organizational Change/ Development
Healthcare Access and Quality
Tools Included
Outside U.S.
Facemask

Mitigation and Prevention

The onset of the pandemic created the need for multiple adaptations to the criminal justice system, including how to provide treatment for substance use disorder while in quarantine, how to continue opioid treatment for early release of individuals to the community, and how to limit the spread of COVID-19 in carceral facilities. Activities outlined in this general article include implementation of telehealth, restructuring group activities to limit exposure, medical quarantine, and connecting released individuals to community resources.

Resource Details

Outcomes of Interest

Improve Organizational Infrastructure, Reduction of Health Disparities

Priority Population(s)

People Who Are Incarcerated

Setting(s) of Implementation

Correctional Facility

Geographic Area of Implementation

Implementation Period

2020