52% Reduction in Fatal Overdoses: NIH Study Validates Critical Role of In-Custody Monitoring
Groundbreaking research published in The New England Journal of Medicine reveals that medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder (MOUD) in jails reduces fatal overdoses by 52%, non-fatal overdoses by 24%, and all-cause mortality by 56% in the six months following release.
The study tracked 6,400 individuals across seven Massachusetts county jails and found that those who received treatment while incarcerated were significantly more likely to continue care after release—60% initiated community treatment within 30 days, compared to just 18% who didn't receive treatment.
As NIDA Director Dr. Nora Volkow stated, "Offering effective opioid treatment to people in jail is a critical step toward addressing the opioid crisis, promoting recovery, saving lives and reducing reincarceration. It's a win-win for public health."
Here's the challenge this research underscores: despite these proven benefits, MOUD is available in only 13% of U.S. jails. And even when treatment programs exist, correctional facilities still face the daily reality of overdose emergencies that happen inside custody—where immediate detection and rapid response can mean the difference between life and death.
At Reassurance Solutions, our contactless vital sign monitoring technology provides the early warning system that gives correctional staff the fighting chance to intervene during cardiac events and overdose incidents before they become fatalities. Our wall-mounted sensors track breathing and heart rates 24/7 without wearables or cameras, detecting abnormal vital signs in real-time and alerting staff when someone is in acute distress.
Treatment programs and medical monitoring technology aren't competing approaches—they're complementary tools in the broader mission to protect lives in custody. Massachusetts demonstrated what's possible with comprehensive treatment programs. Now imagine pairing that with technology that ensures staff can respond immediately when someone needs help.
The opioid crisis contributed to more than 80,000 deaths in 2024. Every intervention matters. Every second counts.
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