Tobacco Behind Bars: Update on Tobacco Policies in Correctional Institutions

Audience: Public health and corrections professionals, policymakers, advocates

Key Points:  Approximately 2.3 million people in the U.S. are behind bars, either in federal or state custody or in local jails, and this number rises to over 7 million if it includes all who are on probation or parole.  Although many state and local correctional institutions, and all federal prisons, have adopted smoke-free policies, tobacco addiction continues to be a problem for a high number of current and ex-offenders.    Given the number, physical condition, and increasing age of long-term offenders, health care costs among the adult incarcerated population continue to rise – largely due to chronic conditions such as tobacco-related illnesses (e.g., pulmonary disease, heart disease and lung cancer).  A disproportionate number of youth in correctional facilities also begin using tobacco products at a young age, and suffer relapse and remission upon release.  This session will overview the current state of tobacco control in local and state correctional institutions in the U.S., regulatory challenges such as tobacco contraband and ineffective enforcement, and a few policy options for addressing tobacco use among an incarcerated population that tends to be diverse, of lower socioeconomic status, and more likely to exhibit high risk behaviors than the non-incarcerated population.

Educational Experience: Individuals at all levels of experience

Benefits: This session will raise awareness of the importance of providing tobacco cessation services for an incarcerated population that is historically susceptible to tobacco abuse.