MANSFIELD — Three incarcerated individuals are back at the Richland Correctional Institution after being transported to a local hospital following an overdose.
Kenneth Spencer, a program administrator at RiCI, confirmed via a statement that three incarcerated individuals, all in the same housing unit, required medical attention after “suspected intoxication” late Tuesday night.
Spencer said Narcan was administered and all three people were transported to a local hospital for evaluation in accordance with Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections (ODRC) policy.
“Upon their return to the facility, they were admitted to the RiCI medical department for continued observation,” Spencer said. “This incident remains under investigation.”
The Mansfield Firefighters IAFF Local 266, which represents employees in the city’s fire department, drew attention to the incident with post on its Facebook page Wednesday morning.
“Crews worked alongside RICI staff to deliver critical care under challenging and evolving conditions. All patients were stabilized, treated, and transported as needed,” the post read.
“This incident deserves recognition. It underscores the harsh realities our first responders face every day and the importance of a well-staffed and equipped department, for these high-risk calls.”
State contracts with Mansfield Fire Department for EMS transportation at MANCI, RiCI
The ODRC has contracted with the Mansfield Fire Department to provide emergency ambulance services for the Mansfield Correctional Institution and Richland Correctional Institution since Dec. 18 2020, according to a contract obtained via public records request.
Per that contract, ODRC pays the department on a per-service basis, with rates ranging from $996.73 for basic life support to $1,1713.13 for advanced life support 2, plus $21.35 for mileage.
The agreement expires on June 30, but Mansfield Fire Chief Dan Crow said the department will be extending the agreement.
According to Crow, the department has made 51 total runs to RiCI and 27 runs to ManCI in the last 180 days — but those runs include all medical calls, not just overdoses.
Crow said the department is not able to specify how many runs were made for drug-related incidents due to HIPAA constraints.
State officials say illicit drug access in prisons is a ‘challenge,’ incarcerated have access to treatment options
JoEllen Smith, chief of communications for the ODRC, said prisoners gaining access to illicit drugs is a significant challenge for any correctional system.
“As technology advances and people find new ways to get contraband inside our institutions, we have adjusted and expanded our overall strategies and prevention efforts,” Smith said.
“While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, our most successful approaches begin with working collaboratively with our law enforcement to identify and stop people from attempting to bring in contraband in the first place.”
Drug possession and drug trafficking are the top two offenses that lead to commitment in a state prison, according to last year’s annual report from the ODRC.
Drug possession made up 15.8 percent of commitment offenses while drug trafficking made up nine percent.
“A large percentage of people who are coming to our prisons need substance use treatment, and we focus on providing quality care for those who deal with substance use disorders,” Smith said.
“However, we have also taken a strategic approach to reducing the amount of contraband in our facilities.”
Smith said that both RiCI and MANCI have a holistic approach to treating the root cause of drug use and addiction.
According to Smith, incarcerated individuals can choose to participate in in-person drug and alcohol classes, peer-led groups, virtual classes, support groups and medication assisted treatment.
“Any drug violation results in the incarcerated person being referred to recovery services,” Smith said.