Pubdate: Tue, 20 Oct 2015
Source: Denver Post (CO)
Copyright: 2015 The Denver Post Corp
Contact:  http://www.denverpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/122
Author: Debora Judish

ADDICTION AND INMATE'S DEATH

Re: "Father of dead inmate angered by inaction," Oct. 18 news story.

Addiction is a chronic disease and is similar to other chronic 
diseases such as type II diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease. 
Adams County jail officials acknowledged that Tyler Tabor needed 
medical treatment for his disease by moving him to a medical unit and 
placing him on an opiate withdrawal protocol. That is where his 
treatment apparently ended. He was allowed to languish without 
appropriate hydration and was not sufficiently monitored. 
Suspiciously, the surveillance tapes have gaps and lack time stamps. 
Adams County jail and medical staff need to be held accountable for 
his pain, suffering and death.

The statements by the forensic pathologist as to the cause of Tabor's 
death - "Mr. Tabor died as a result of his heroin addiction and 
dehydration associated with his withdrawal from the illegal use of 
that substance" - were judgmental and inhumane.

We need enforceable medical standards of care for drug and alcohol 
withdrawal and treatment in correctional facilities. I extend my 
sympathy to Tyler's family and support their quest for answers.

Debora Judish,

Thornton
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom