Recommendations for Addressing Tobacco Use in Correctional Facilities through Policy and Cessation Programming

As of 2006, more than 2.2 million people are incarcerated in the United States. While only 21% of the general U.S. population smokes, it is estimated that between 60-80% of correctional inmates use tobacco, and as such are disproportionately affected by tobacco use. Also, those incarcerated who do not use tobacco are affected significantly by secondhand smoke exposure, alongside prison staff.

In order to address tobacco use within correctional institutions, Break Free Alliance and a panel of experts developed a briefing paper, Recommendations for Addressing Tobacco Use in Correctional Facilities through Policy and Cessation Programming, in June 2009. These recommendations offer guidance to correctional institutions in order to develop, enhance and implement tobacco control policies as well as provide tobacco education and cessation programs for those living and working in the correctional system.

Prior to the paper's completion, a complete literature review was conducted. A select group of experts who either work directly with prison staff or have experience in correctional policy and/or in prison healthcare came together to discuss the best possible recommendations to include in the document. In addition to the recommendations, several correctional facilities shared their current tobacco control policies for other facilities to use as a model. Some of the organizations who played a part in the development of this document include: National Commission on Correctional Healthcare; California Medical Association; New Hampshire Department of Corrections and New Mexico's Colfax County Detention Center.