ARIZONA 360

Episode 308

CORONAVIRUS THREAT: As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns about the likely spread of coronavirus, Arizona 360 learns more about the risk and precautions people can take from University of Arizona epidemiologist Michael Worobey. TREATING ADDICTION IN JAIL: Lorraine Rivera tours the Pima County jail and learns more about how staff treats inmates struggling with drug addiction. DIVERSION PROGRAM: Pima County Chief Deputy Attorney Amelia Cramer sits down with Lorraine Rivera to discuss the county’s Drug Treatment Alternative to Prison program that allows some defendants charged with drug-related crimes avoid prison and enroll in treatment instead. Cramer discusses the program’s impact and how this approach saves taxpayer dollars. DECRIMINALIZING NEEDLE EXCHANGES: Arizona lawmakers are considering a bill that would decriminalize clean needle exchanges. While a number of states have already done so, not everyone in Arizona is sold on the idea. Arizona Republic health reporter Stephanie Innes discusses her reporting on the issue and why supporters say it could help prevent opioid-related deaths. BORDER WALL BLASTING: Arizona 360 gets a firsthand look at controlled blasts taking place on Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument where crews are installing a taller border wall. Customs and Border Protection allowed media to see the detonations the same day that Tohono O’Odham Nation Chair Ned Norris testified before the House Committee on Natural Resources that the construction threatens significant cultural and historical sites.