The first 72 hours of incarceration represent the most medically vulnerable period for individuals entering custody. This seminar examines the highest-risk health threats during early detention and outlines practical strategies to reduce preventable morbidity and mortality. Key risks include substance withdrawal, suicide, acute mental health crises, unmanaged chronic diseases, infectious disease exposure, and interruption of essential medications. A central focus of the presentation is the implementation of Medication-Assisted Treatment for opioid use disorder as a core risk-reduction strategy, emphasizing early identification, continuity of community treatment, and prompt initiation of buprenorphine or methadone when indicated. By prioritizing standardized workflows, interdisciplinary collaboration, and MAT integration within the first 72 hours, this session presents actionable approaches to improve safety, reduce liability, and save lives.

Educational Objectives

• Recognize why the first 72 hours of incarceration is the highest-risk period for preventable morbidity and mortality
• Discuss how an implementation of a MAT program can greatly reduce the risk of morbidity and mortality in the first 72 hours as well as post-incarceration
• Identify and address common gaps in intake workflows, communication, and documentation to minimize patient risks and improve outcomes in this critical window of time

Level: Intermediate