As part of the project “Sustainability of Services for Key Populations in EECA region“, Georgia successfully implemented an initiative to introduce a post-release support program aimed at overdose prevention. This initiative addresses critical issues related to psychoactive substance use and the heightened risk of overdose among recently released people.
Comprehensive training sessions were conducted in three penitentiary institutions for 27 prison staff members. These sessions covered topics such as the causes of addiction, standards of care in case of substance dependence, harm reduction strategies, and interventions to reduce overdose risks upon release. These training activities equipped penitentiary staff with the necessary knowledge to support incarcerated individuals more effectively.
This initiative not only strengthens the support system within prisons but also plays a crucial role in preventing substance-related issues among those recently released.