This striking correlation of quick and substantial reduction of mortality among individuals with a mental illness in association with the reduction and subsequent ban of smoking suggests that smoking may play a major role in the reduced life span of persons with mental illness.

More than half of the state prisons in the United States outsource health care. While most states contract with private companies, a small number of states have reached out to their health science universities to meet their needs for health care of prisoners. New Jersey is the most recent state to form such an agreement. This article discusses the benefits of such a model for New Jersey's Department of Corrections and for New Jersey's health sciences university, the Rutgers University, formerly the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. The benefits for both institutions should encourage other states to participate in such affiliations.

The principal aim of this study was to establish whether a metabolic monitoring program implemented for second-generation antipsychotic medications (SGAs) was associated with any reduction in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in adult inmates treated with antipsychotic medications in the New Jersey Department of Corrections. The average prevalence of metabolic syndrome in those prescribed SGAs decreased from 17.9% during the years before metabolic monitoring to 14.3% during the years of monitoring. The number of patients prescribed antipsychotic medication decreased a net 35% over 9 years of the study. We conclude that metabolic monitoring was one of the several administrative interventions over the study period that reduced the unnecessary exposure of inmates to the risks of antipsychotic medications.

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Objective The aim of the study is to assess the predictors of SARS-CoV-2 infection among correctional healthcare workers (HCWs). Methods We conducted a retrospective chart review to describe the demographic and workplace characteristics of New Jersey correctional HCWs between March 15, 2020, and August 31, 2020, using univariate and multivariable analysis. Results Among 822 HCWs, patient-facing staff had the highest incidence of infection (7.2%). Associated risk factors include being Black and working in a maximum-security prison. There were few statistically significant findings due to small total numbers (n = 47) that tested positive. Conclusions Correctional HCWs’ challenging work environment creates unique risk factors for infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Administrative measures taken by the department of corrections may have a significant role in curbing the spread of infection. The findings can help focus preventive measures for reducing the spread of COVID-19 in this unique population.