(Podcast) Nashville’s Overdose Co-Response Unit Brings Harm Reduction to Law Enforcement

Click here to listen on Spotify As the drug overdose deaths continue to climb, we have heard more and more Sheriffs and law enforcement officers across the state say “we can’t arrest ourselves out of this problem.” That the criminal justice system plays an important role, but not the only

Guest Column: How mental health and substance abuse treatment help incarcerated Tennesseans

A woman in prison with her arms resting against the cell bars.

Read the full article at The Tennessean. Changes to telehealth policy enable mental health and substance abuse treatment programs. This is crucial, as the rate of incarceration is increasing the most in rural areas.  About two-thirds of all incarcerated Tennesseans meet the criteria for a diagnosable substance use disorder. This

New Podcast Episode: Criminal Justice Reform

SMART Policy Podcast graphic.

If there’s one thing Tennesseans can agree on, it’s that the criminal justice system needs some improvements.  In the summer of 2021, the Reentry Success Act and Alternatives to Incarceration Act passed; at the same time telehealth permissions expanded.  Jeremy talks with Judge Duane Slone and Dr. Stephen Loyd about

The Need for Continuity of Care in the Criminal Justice System

A man with tattoos stands behind his jail cell bars.

The Need for Continuity of Care in the Criminal Justice System Key Points People with mental health disorders are significantly overrepresented in the incarcerated population, and 80% of all crimes in Tennessee have a drug-related nexus. While treatment for mental health and substance use disorders during and after incarceration have

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