An inmate at a medium-security prison in Canada died from a suspected fentanyl overdose. The prison had recently implemented a needle exchange program, but the union representing correctional officers argues for the need of overdose prevention sites instead. The Correctional Service of Canada plans to expand the needle exchange program nationwide.
It says this comes after an inmate at the medium-security Mountain Institution in Agassiz, B.C., died Tuesday from what is believed to be a fentanyl overdose.
John Randle, the regional president for the Union of Canadian Correctional Officers, says providing access to needles for inmates to inject their illegal drugs alone in their cells does nothing to curb or treat addictions, and the union is instead advocating for overdose prevention sites in prisons.