Leaving prison during the COVID-19 and overdose public health emergencies

SPPH PhD student Kate McLeod and Adjunct Faculty Dr. Ruth Elwood Martin published a blog post in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) this week, discussing the risks posed to individuals released from incarceration during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The blog post follows a recent study on the value of Unlocking the Gates (UTG), a program that connects recently released individuals with mentorship and tangible support including clothing, transportation, and health care during a critical transition.

Dr. Ruth Elwood Martin

In the blog, Ms. McLeod and Dr. Elwood Martin discuss the need for support in transportation, housing, and mental health services during the pandemic, especially as many community organizations are unable to conduct their normal operations. UTG continues to participate in this necessary and valuable space, supporting individuals so that they can successfully self-isolate for 14 days following release.

Read more about the importance of UTG’s work here.