CDCR and CCHCS staff recently joined incarcerated people across the state in observance of International Overdose Awareness Day.
This annual observance raises awareness of the dangers of drug overdose and how that loss spreads well beyond the person who dies.
It is an opportunity to remind everyone of the importance of the jointly operated Integrated Substance Use Disorder Treatment (ISUDT) program. This year’s theme, We’re One Big Family, focused on how people can come together to reflect on those lost to overdose. It also encourages communities to take action, support one another and prevent the next overdose.
The events focused on overdose education – detecting the warning signs of an overdose and how to help in an emergency. Many events included important information about Narcan (the overdose reversal medicine), Medication Assisted Treatment for Substance Use Disorder and Cognitive Behavioral Interventions.
Overdose Awareness Day across the state
Calipatria State Prison
Calipatria’s ISUDT Ambassador Team, representing ISUDT, custody and mental health staff hosted a special awareness event. They welcomed staff with a wellness booth to bring attention to both National Recovery Month and National Suicide Prevention Month. Together, the team helped people learn about the importance and accessibility of life-saving resources.
Central California Women’s Facility
Staff hosted an educational event with important IOAD messaging about substance use disorder treatment and overdose prevention.
California Health Care Facility
Staff welcomed participants at informational booths with materials on Substance Use Disorder, overdose warning signs and fentanyl awareness.
California Medical Facility
In addition to booths, activities and Narcan demonstrations, staff provided an interactive overdose memorial wall where participants could honor their loved ones lost to overdose. The incarcerated population also presented a powerful overdose awareness skit for attendees.
California State Prison, Corcoran
This event gave Occupational Mentor Certification Program mentors a chance to testify on their experiences with overdose while ribbons were available to commemorate those lost to overdose. Community partners also attended the event with information about overdose prevention and a group of incarcerated men in “boot camps” assisted the event and provided their own testimonials.
Folsom State Prison
Staff held two events in the week leading up to IOAD. The first event on Aug. 27 featured informational booths from ISUDT, the Division of Rehabilitative Programs (DRP) and Nursing, along with a poetry contest. Two days later, incarcerated bands at Folsom played live music in the main yard, and additional information booths featured a Narcan demonstration and distribution.
Ironwood State Prison
Ironwood hosted an overdose awareness interactive event that fostered open discussions facilitated by peer support specialists and staff.
North Kern State Prison
Staff raised awareness of dangers of fentanyl and carfentanil. They also conducted a staff survey and distributed bracelets, pens and ribbons.
California State Prison, Los Angeles County
Speakers and booths spread information about overdose awareness and CalAIM. Incarcerated people who painted skateboards that were donated for a future silent auction were acknowledged with certificates and gift bags.
Pleasant Valley State Prison
DRP, in collaboration with the Amity Foundation, hosted their annual Overdose Awareness Carnival as a day of education, reflection and support. It featured interactive booths and activities, while an art and memorial station provided a way to honor loved ones who were lost to overdose.
Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison, Corcoran
The Peer Support Specialist Program and medical staff at SATF held their annual Overdose Awareness Day event. Speakers provided insight on the warning signs of potential overdose within the incarcerated population. A play about drug use delved into the potential pitfalls that lead to overdose. Following the play, medical professionals gave a demonstration on how to use Narcan and where it can be located in each facility.
Sierra Conservation Center
An awareness event was hosted at facility entrances for staff with messaging and free, ISUDT-branded water bottles and water flavoring packets.
San Quentin Rehabilitation Center
Staff and the incarcerated population enjoyed listening to guest speakers and learning about resources for recovery and rehabilitation. Staff shared education on overdose prevention strategies.
CDCR and CCHCS thank staff statewide for helping raise awareness through IOAD and for championing our collective efforts to prevent overdose deaths. In the fight against overdose, we are truly One Big Family.
Compiled and submitted by Kyle Buis, information officer
California Correctional Health Care Services
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