Assembly conducts hearing on racial disparities in New York's MAT program

The New York State Legislature convened on December 13, 2024, to discuss the implementation and funding of programs for incarcerated individuals as part of the State Fiscal Year 2024-25 Enacted Budget. A significant focus of the meeting was the growth of these programs, which have expanded by 24 percent over the past year. However, concerns were raised regarding the uneven implementation across various facilities.

During the meeting, representatives highlighted successful models, such as the program at Saratoga County Jail, while also addressing challenges faced in local jails and detention facilities. Issues cited included long waiting lists for services, difficulties with screening and induction processes, and stigmatizing attitudes among correctional staff that sometimes result in withholding medication as a form of punishment. There were also reports of coercive practices related to the use of injectable medications.

A critical point of discussion was the pronounced racial disparities in the distribution of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) within the prison system. A report from the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) indicated that only 10 percent of MAT recipients were Black, despite Black individuals making up a significant portion of the prison population. This disparity is particularly alarming given the rising overdose rates among Black New Yorkers.

The meeting also featured testimony from Jerome Wright, co-director of the HALT Solitary Campaign, who emphasized the importance of programming over punitive measures. Wright argued that effective programming is essential for rehabilitation and should be prioritized alongside security concerns. He criticized the current staffing issues in correctional facilities, noting that New York has one of the highest ratios of incarcerated individuals to staff in the country.

Wright's testimony underscored the need for transparency and accountability in the implementation of programs designed to support incarcerated individuals. He called for collaboration with service providers to enhance the effectiveness of these initiatives.

In conclusion, the discussions at the meeting highlighted both the progress made in expanding programs for incarcerated individuals and the significant challenges that remain. The legislature's commitment to addressing these issues will be crucial in ensuring that the programs fulfill their intended purpose of rehabilitation and support for those in the correctional system.