On 10/10/2024 KUTV aired a story about the huge drug problem inside the new Utah State Correctional Facility. The executive director of UDC acknowledged the problem, with statements like, "the problem has become so pronounced it defeats the purpose of putting inmates in drug rehabilitation programs." When inmates are finally paroled, they're still addicted to drugs." Another story published June 3, 2024 (Kuer90.1) describes "just over 61% offenders returned in the fiscal year of 2023 because of parole violations". Most violations include drug offenses. Substance abuse is more common than you might think. Many people silently battle substance-use problems and the consequences of not seeking help or not offering help are often life threatening. Each year, drug use kills more Utah residents than car accidents. Opioid overdose is the leading cause of drug related deaths in Utah. The Utah State Correctional Facility has been open since 2022, already the drug problem is huge. How many people have to overdose, or be released addicted to drugs in order for things to change? Where is the successful rehabilitation? Suboxone is a proven beneficial treatment for Opioid Use Disorder. The breakdown of suboxone contains buprenorphine and naltrexone and works by reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings to use Opioids. Naltrexone supports proper use of the medication. It can be used to stabilize someone in withdrawals as well as maintain treatment to promote recovery from opioid use disorder. Addiction is a disease so why is this not part of treatment towards rehabilitation in a facility where the drug problem is so pronounced? When inquiring about the option to treat all offenders incarcerated with a drug problem the same answers are given every time. They only treat "new comers, and pregnant women". How are you going to succeed in successful rehabilitation if you are not offering MAT to the many men and women already incarcerated where the huge problem exists? Substance abuse needs to be treated with classes and programs, but also with medication assisted treatment in order to have a successful outcome. Gov. Cox made statements that the new prison will focus on rehabilitation, reform for a successful reentry. 61% of re-offenses is not success. Gov. Cox also stated" All Utahns deserve the opportunity to live safe and healthy lives and that does not cease upon the incarcerated." Offering treatment to the many individuals that are incarcerated will help with the success rate, offer a more safer workplace for those who are employed with corrections. And most important give the treatment that is needed while under supervision so that re-entry into society is actually successful and safer for everyone. Please sign this petition to make it mandatory for Incarcerated individuals in Utah's prison system to be offered Medication Assisted Treatment. Lets start where the huge drug problem is so pronounced.