AIDSImpact.com:: - Santa Fe, USA 2011

Abstract #261 - Medication assisted treatment for opiate addicted persons in correctional settings: a long overdue HIV prevention intervention
Authors: Presenting Author: Dr Bruce Trigg - New Mexico Department of Health
Additional Authors: Ms. Mary Murphy , Ms. Ashley Tsang,
Aim: Approximately one-third of HIV infections in the US are transmitted through injecting drug use but political, cultural, and economic factors limit access for opiate addicted individuals to medication assisted therapy (MAT) with methadone and buprenorphine. These evidence-based treatments offer a humane medical and harm reduction model that treats addiction as a chronic disease rather than, primarily, as a criminal justice problem. While a large percentage of opiate addicted individuals in the US have contact with the criminal justice system, few are offered MAT either during or after incarceration.
Method / Issue: New Mexico, in the southwestern US, has a large number of heroin users, a high overdose death rate, and also has one of the oldest and largest harm reduction programs in the US. Providing MAT for incarcerated opiate addicted persons has been a priority for public health workers and advocates in New Mexico for several years. The presenter will discuss current MAT programs in correctional settings in New Mexico and will address strategies for extending these services. A video about MAT that was filmed in New Mexico jails and prisons is being shown to incarcerated persons throughout the state.
Results / Comments: Methadone and buprenorphine are now available in several New Mexico jails (short-term correctional settings).
Discussion: Efforts are underway to extend these programs to reach more opiate addicted persons in jails and prisons. THIS TOPIC MAY BEST BE PRESENTED AS A SYMPOSIUM OR A WORKSHOP ON MAT IN GENERAL OR SPECIFICALLY CONCERNING INCARCERATED POPULATIONS. I AM WILLING TO DISCUSS THIS FURTHER WITH THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
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