Corrections officer exposed to fentanyl when inmate threw drugs on ground, DOC says

ANCHORAGE (KTUU) – A corrections officer at Hiland Mountain Correctional Center was taken to Alaska Regional Hospital after she was exposed to fentanyl, a high-concentration opioid.

The officer was exposed during inmate intake, according to Sarah Gallagher, spokesperson for the Department of Corrections.

“During an intake process the previous evening, the officer was attempting to retrieve contraband when the inmate attempted to discard it by throwing the narcotics onto the floor,” Gallagher said. “The officer retrieved the evidence and continued on her shift.”

Hours later, the officer said she began to feel sick, and during a urinalysis test, she was found to test positive for fentanyl.

Staff at the facility provided care until EMS arrived, and the officer was transferred to a hospital.

“She was discharged from the hospital and recovered at home over the weekend,” Gallagher said. “She is back to work and doing well.”

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