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Tobacco barred from prison

Starting today, no products allowed on property

By Richelle Bailey | The McDowell News

Published: August 2, 2009

Beginning today, ashes are all that will remain of tobacco products on prison property in Marion.
The Marion Correction Institution (MCI), which consists of the minimum-custody facility on N.C. 226 South and the close-custody facility on Old Glenwood Road, are among 26 prisons in North Carolina that will go completely tobacco free today. The units are joined by six administrative offices.
No inmates, employees, visitors or vendors will be allowed to possess tobacco products of any kind on the grounds or inside the buildings.
It's the beginning of the Division of Prisons' phase-out of tobacco products on its properties statewide. Units in other counties will eventually go tobacco free by the end of the year.
"What we're trying to get people to see are the health benefits associated with this move," said Randy Teague, assistant superintendent of programs at MCI. "A lot of the inmates aren't happy about it, and, with the employees, it's a mixed bag."
The prison has been offering cessation classes for both inmates and employees. Health Department workers are teaching the employees, and prison instructors are providing the classes for inmates.
Prisoners will be able to purchase nicotine patches in the facility's canteen but only after completing the cessation class, according to MCI Administrator Sid Harkleroad.
"We want to help everyone get through this as best we can," Harkleroad stated. "We want everyone to be successful."
He added that, a couple of years ago, prison officials banned smoking in the buildings, but doing away with it altogether is something that's never been attempted.
"It's going to be safer because the officers will not have to take the inmates outside to smoke," said the administrator. "It's also going to save the state and the taxpayers money on inmate health care costs."
Before the latest ban, inmates were allowed tobacco breaks every two hours, beginning at 6:30 a.m. Employees were allowed to use tobacco products during their breaks. There were designated areas for workers and prisoners outside the buildings, and anyone caught smoking inside faced sanctions.
A bill in the state Legislature will make possessing, selling or providing inmates with tobacco products a misdemeanor. However, if passed, the law won't go into effect until March 1, 2010.
Teague and Harkleroad estimated that two out of every three inmates at MCI use tobacco products.
They say the ban definitely presents the possibility of a black market for cigarettes.
"It's going to be like any other contraband," said Harkleroad. "Nicotine is just another drug, so I'm all for this."
Sue Medford, MCI's nurse supervisor, said the advantages of this move far outweigh the disadvantages.
According to Medford's stats, there are 143 cardiac patients at MCI, 122 who suffer from pulmonary illnesses and 30 to 35 diabetics. Smoke and other tobacco products affect those people more than others.
Medford said it also affects patients who have tested positive for tuberculosis, those who have cardiac stints and others who have allergies and asthma.
The nurse stated that it's going to cut down on many infections and other illnesses.
"We spend a lot on antibiotics, so this is going to save a lot of money," she stated. "It's a win-win situation."
But one person who's not so sure of that is Latif Irby, a 29-year-old inmate at the close-custody unit.
A smoker for 10 years, he quit in January after his father was diagnosed with lung cancer.
He's not in a crunch to quit like some of his fellow prisoners, but he hears the complaints, and he also observes how it's weighing on the officers.
"That's how some (inmates) spend their time," Irby stated. "They feel like they are giving up something, but they're getting nothing in return. They feel like they are being forced to quit and they don't like it.
"I can see the tension," he added. "The inmates and (correctional officers) can relate to each other on this one."
He attended a cessation class just to listen. Even though instructors offer remedies and techniques to halt tobacco use, the class alone is not going to help anyone quit, according to Irby.
"You have to want to quit or it's going to be a constant fight within yourself," he said. "I prayed a lot and learned how to change my habits."
He offered a few helpful hints to those trying to quit smoking, chewing, dipping, etc.: eat sunflower seeds; avoid being around people using those products; do other things, like exercising or working out, to keep your mind busy; and be patient.
"It's still difficult for me at times," he admitted.
Teague added that there will be signs posted in the buildings and on the grounds today and beyond to remind people about the ban. The cessation classes, which have already been offered for a few weeks, will be an ongoing opportunity, he stated.