Rachel Crumpler/NC Health News
For years, reentry councils have covered less than a quarter of NC counties, despite people being released into communities all over the state. That number is poised to swell this year.
In recent years, more detention centers in the state are starting to provide medications for opioid use disorder, not just because it’s best practice, but because it’s now a legal imperative.
Prison leaders say that 2024 will be an inflection year to make significant progress breaking down barriers formerly incarcerated people face when returning to the community.
Former North Carolina prisoners had sustained suicide risk, even three years after release, suggesting a need for more consistent for people returning to the community.
Opill could fill gaps for people who face barriers obtaining a prescription from a provider, but price may continue to be an obstacle for some.
An estimated 80% of people reentering the community from prison are newly eligible for Medicaid. Expanded coverage could boost reentry success as people have more consistent medical care.
Staff are the backbone of prison operations, but the state prison system has dealt in recent years with significant vacancy rates and exhausting workloads for remaining workers, forcing operational changes.
Too much need, too few resources to meet all of the demand for substance use treatment in NC prisonsDemand for substance abuse treatment in North Carolina's prisons is growing — and unmet. When people are released from prison, many return to communities without having received treatment.
Patient navigators, abortion funds and other networks work to combat barriers, keep abortion accessible to those who seek it.