Gallatin County Detention Center

A Tobacco-Free Environment

Although all federal, and most state and local, correctional facilities have adopted smoke-free policies, tobacco addiction continues to be a problem for current and ex-offenders with long-term consequences, both for the corrections systems and the population at large.

According to the Public Health Law Center, this high prevalence of tobacco use among U.S. inmates has a disproportionate impact on priority populations particularly those of low socioeconomic status, substance abusers, and the mentally ill, all of whom tend to use tobacco, and also serve time, more often than other individuals.

Inmate tobacco use also has a profound impact on health care costs both within the correctional system, and once inmates are released, on private and publicly funded health systems, such as Medicaid and Medicare.

Inmate health problems stemming from chronic conditions are common, including tobacco-related illnesses such as chronic pulmonary disease, heart disease, and lung cancer.

Prisons and jails (and post-release treatment centers) that provide tobacco prevention and cessation services can help screen individuals, give them the resources to address their dependence on nicotine, and ultimately ease the financial burden on the public health care system.

In southwest Montana, a Health Literacy Program has been implemented by the Gallatin County Sheriff's Office Detention Center that includes resources and tools for quitting.

Tobacco Behind Bars