The Philadelphia Department of Prisons (PDP) is proud to recognize and thank members of our correctional staff who have been trained to administer overdose-reversing doses of Naloxone (Narcan) to members of the incarcerated population and have been successful to date.

Commissioner Michael R. Resnick, Esq. recently acknowledged Correctional Officers (pictured left to right) Cianna Gland, Generra Edwards, Megan Horn, and Correctional Sergeant Jerrika Gadson, for their efforts in administering Narcan and saving people’s lives from overdose. While our security teams are working diligently to prevent illegal drugs from coming into the prison sites, there are still instances, unfortunately, where drugs have still made it in. Since we know this is the case, we continue to work proactively to try to save the lives of those who illegally obtain and use drugs. All four of the trained staff members recently encountered incarcerated people, who were found either unconscious or semi-conscious, in a state of overdose. In each case, the officer used Narcan for the first time.

“I didn’t hesitate,” said Officer Gland. “I saw someone in distress, and I felt confident in my training that I could help him. It was simple. I’m happy that I was there and able to help an incarcerated person in distress.” This past February, the PDP equipped its correctional staff with Narcan. The PDP thanks YesCare Senior Director of Clinical Services Lynda Witkowski for leading the Narcan training.

According to PDP Chief of Medical Operations Dr. Bruce Herdman, nearly 70 percent of the PDP population suffer from a substance abuse disorder (SUD) and can experience overdose distress early in their incarceration.

The use of Narcan to combat overdose in correctional facilities is becoming more widespread and has been used in facilities from Los Angeles to New York. Narcan has no street value, and it is non-addictive. If used by a person who does not use opiates, at worst it might make them uncomfortable.

“I encourage everyone on staff to follow the examples of these outstanding employees,” Commissioner Resnick said. “This is another tool in the toolbox at our disposal. As you can see, outfitting officers and staff with Narcan has great benefits.”