Here & Now Anytime Undercounted: Treatment options limited as drugs flow into U.S. jails
Oct 3, 2025
Peter O'Dowd, an investigative reporter for NPR, delves into the alarming reality of overdoses in U.S. jails, revealing that around 60% of inmates struggle with substance abuse disorders. He explores the limited treatment options available, like methadone and Suboxone, amidst persistent drug smuggling. Monica Graham, the mother of Richard Graham who died in a Louisville jail, shares her heartbreaking story and advocates for better care. Together, they highlight the urgent need for accountability and reform in jail healthcare systems.
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Undercounted Jail Death Toll
- About 1,000 people died in U.S. jails each year from 2019–2023, and the number is likely undercounted.
- Many inmates arrive with serious addiction and withdrawal needs that jails lack resources to treat.
Treatment Works But Resources Lack
- Jails face huge demand for addiction treatment but lack staff, money, and clinical capacity.
- Providing methadone or Suboxone in custody could prevent overdoses during incarceration and after release.
Screening Can't Fully Stop Contraband
- Contraband drugs routinely slip past searches, dogs, and new scanners in jails.
- Overdoses inside jails are rising even with screening efforts because smuggling remains common.