The story behind the story: How WPLN’s Samantha Max reported on drug overdoses in prison

Drug overdoses have increased across the country during the pandemic, and Tennessee is no exception. However, drugs — namely the potent opioid fentanyl — have found their way into Tennessee prisons, which are supposed to be among the most secure facilities in the state.

WPLN News’ Samantha Max recently reported on the sharp increase in drug-related deaths and overdoses behind bars and how those incarcerated are unable to receive the necessary treatment to curb their addictions.

She joined This Is Nashville on Thursday to explain how she reported this story and why it is important.

“Since the start of the pandemic I’ve spoken to, I would say, more than 40 people who are either in prison or have a loved one in prison or who are working in prison who have kind of just been shedding light on what’s going on inside,” Max said, “because it really is a place that is designed to kind of be out of sight, out of mind.”