Rikers: Aerial view of complex on island.

Rikers: Island of Harm Reduction in State of ‘Forced Detox’

Waiting to be taken to Dutchess County Jail for the last time, Matthew Herring knew from experience he needed something that would ease the pain to come. The 24-year-old from Fishkill, N.Y., anticipated an excruciating detox from heroin. So he grabbed a handful of Suboxone pills.

reentry, trauma, Rikers Woman in pink hat, turtleneck speaks on steps of government building, surrounded by men in dark suits, T-shirts, holding banners.

Provide Better Reentry, Don’t Just Close Rikers, Advocates Urge

Advocates and activists who have been pushing to close Rikers want to make substantive policy changes for incarcerated youth.
“It’s not enough to close Rikers,” said Iesha Sekou, CEO of nonprofit Street Corner Resources, which works with young people. “We have to make sure young people have a real chance at rehabilitation.”