CHATTANOOGA — Hamilton County’s detention center is facing renewed scrutiny following two inmate deaths in the past year, including one that resulted in a federal lawsuit.
Thursday NewsChannel 9 went inside the facility to examine medical care provided to inmates from the time they arrive at the jail through their incarceration.
Medical staff demonstrated the intake process, which includes checking vital signs, reviewing medical histories and conducting drug screenings.
“I do a mini medical history, a urine drug screen,” said Intake Nurse Stella.
Nurses also screen inmates for substance use and potential withdrawal symptoms, with treatment protocols put in place when needed.
“If we know that they’re gonna be withdrawing off of a substance when they come in. We’re gonna place them immediately on our withdrawal protocol,” Qchc Regional Director of Nursing for East Tennessee, Alisha McGinnis, said.
The jail’s medication-assisted treatment program combines FDA-approved medications with counseling for people struggling with opioid and alcohol use disorders.
“We’ve responded to a multitude of people who come in who more actively experience a substance use issue,” McGinnis, said.
According to jail medical officials, 25 people have graduated from the program, with nine currently enrolled.
While inside the jail, also spoke with Chasity Johnston, who lost her son to fentanyl poisoning in 2023.
“I lost him in 2023 to fentanyl. So, I feel like there there needs to be more resources available for people like him,” said Johnston.
Johnston said she believes more resources and access to addiction treatment are needed for people struggling with substance use, including those who are arrested…