Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser has recently come under fire for allocating a staggering $3.94 million grant to the Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC) for the treatment of opioid addiction. Critics argue that these funds should have been prioritized for law enforcement to prevent the distribution, sale, and use of opioids first.
The two-year agreement between the Colorado Department of Law and the CDOC will focus on delivering medications for “opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment,” behavioral health counseling, and care coordination for inmates in state correctional facilities.
According to Weiser, “Two-thirds of today’s incarcerated population, on a nationwide basis, struggles with a substance use disorder, and that percentage is even higher in certain parts of Colorado.” He believes that providing treatment to inmates upon release will help reduce recidivism, aid in their reintegration into society, and improve public safety.
While the program aims to support individuals with OUD, critics argue that the focus should be on law enforcement efforts to combat drug-related crimes in the first place. They contend that by allocating such a substantial amount of money to the CDOC, Weiser is neglecting the urgent need for stronger law enforcement measures. They believe that prioritizing treatment over law enforcement will only perpetuate the cycle of addiction and crime.
The grant will provide three months of pre-release medication treatment and a three-week supply upon release, with the goal of promoting the health and safety of incarcerated individuals with OUD. Additionally, the program will enhance care coordination for treatment after release, aiming to ensure a smooth transition and continuity of care.
Supporters of the grant argue that medication-based treatment programs have proven effective in reducing post-incarceration deaths related to opioid overdose. They point to the success of a similar program implemented by the Rhode Island Department of Corrections, which saw post-incarceration deaths decrease by 61% compared to the previous year.
They believe that investing in treatment programs not only benefits the individuals struggling with addiction but also contributes to the overall reduction in overdose deaths within the state.
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The funding for this grant comes from lawsuits against drug manufacturers and distributors, resulting in $750 million in anticipated settlement funds. These funds are specifically allocated to address the opioid crisis as part of a joint opioid framework agreement between the state and local governments.
The allocation of funds was guided by the Opioid Crisis Recovery Funds Committee, which was established by the Colorado state legislature.
The Department of Law has acknowledged the need for similar efforts in jails across Colorado. They have announced plans to recognize and support initiatives that enhance connections to the community and provide medications for opioid use disorder in jails.