A Snapshot of Medication Diversion Among 6 Jails Expanding Access to Agonist Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) in Pennsylvania

A common point of opposition to offering buprenorphine in correctional settings is the perceived risk of diversion, disciplinary issues, or safety concerns created by allowing access to buprenorphine. 

Vital Strategies supported technical assistance to six county jails in Pennsylvania that had been funded by the Commonwealth to expand access to buprenorphine to incarcerated persons.

This snapshot looks at the reported incidence of diversion, assault, and conduct citations at the six jails in Pennsylvania that together provided buprenorphine to more than 1,000 individuals over an 18 month period through this state-funded grant program.