The Legal Aid Society called on Governor Andrew Cuomo to enact legislation that would require New York prisons and jails to facilitate access to medical treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) during their incarceration, as well as support in continuing their treatment when transitioning back into society.

Research has shown opioid overdose to be the leading cause of death among people recently released from incarceration, according to Filter.

Tina Luongo, Attorney-in-Charge of the Criminal Defense Practice at The Legal Aid Society, noted that “The State Department of Health has reported a sharp increase in opioid overdose deaths in recent years . . . the risk of overdose from opioid use is especially dangerous for people who are or have been incarcerated.”

The bill, A.533/S.1795, passed the legislature on May 26, and now awaits for Governor Andrew Cuomo to enact into law.