UW-CTRI Regional Outreach Specialist Allie Gorrilla, MPH and UW-CTRI Researcher Dr. Jesse Kaye recently presented online to more than 130 VA Veteran Justice Program (VJP) providers from across the country.
One participant said, “It was really terrific—tons of relevant information and directly applicable suggestions for VJP staff to start building in tobacco use to their assessments and referral processes.”
“The VA Veteran Justice Program works with many Veterans who smoke but might not be aware of the phenomenal VA tobacco treatment resources that are available to them,” Kaye said. “VJP staff are ideally positioned to assess tobacco use and connect Veterans with supports to help them quit or stay tobacco-free!”
Kaye and Gorrilla discussed how to improve tobacco treatment for Veterans involved in the criminal-legal system.
They shared information about the many risk factors that contribute to tobacco use in Veterans who are involved in the criminal-legal system.
Kaye and Gorrilla discussed the importance of treating tobacco use in patients with other mental health and substance use disorders. Those services can be integrated into the healthcare provided within prison or jail settings and into community treatment settings for those reentering their community after incarceration.
“Our team recently published an article in American Journal of Preventive Medicine that highlights the importance of providing universal tobacco treatment in these settings,” Gorrilla said, “and also includes some very practical steps that facilities can take to implement comprehensive tobacco-free policies and tobacco treatment programs.”
“Tobacco use screening and treatment can improve the health and quality of life for Veterans involved in the criminal-legal system,” Kaye said.
Gorrilla and Kaye recommended that treatment for justice-involved Veterans ought to encompass:
- Routine assessment of tobacco use.
- Medically supervised withdrawal, including nicotine replacement therapy.
- Access to medication and behavioral support during incarceration.
- Coordinated efforts to refer Veterans to treatment and peer support after their release from prisons or jails.
