Oklahoma launches inmate opioid relapse prevention program

Image: KFOR

(Information from: Tulsa World, http://www.tulsaworld.com)
TULSA, Okla. (AP) – An Oklahoma county has launched the state’s first opioid relapse prevention program that would allow released inmates who are addicts to receive a drug that inhibits the effects of opioids and curbs the urge to use.
The Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office launched the pilot program on August 26th. The Tulsa World reports that injections of the drug, Vivitrol, are priced at about $1,000 each.
Dr. William Cooper is the CEO of the county jail’s medical partner, Turnkey Health. Cooper estimates that 10 to 15 inmates could be approved for the program each month.
Tulsa County Sheriff Vic Regalado says that the program is funded by Vivitrol’s makers, Turnkey Health, the state Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, and others. Regalado says that Oklahoma’s $270 million settlement with Purdue Pharma could also support the program.