Santa Rita Jail staff saved over 330 lives in 2025

Sheriff announces updates to mail system to reduce contraband influx

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The staff at Santa Rita Jail in Dublin, California saved 336 lives in 2025, up from 250 the previous year. The Alameda County Sheriff's Office said the staff used Narcan 55 times in both 2024 and 2025 to revive people who had suspected overdoses, suicide attempts, and medical emergencies. The sheriff also announced updates to the jail's mail system to reduce the influx of contraband, though details on the changes were not provided. Since 2014, a total of 74 people have died in custody at Santa Rita Jail.

Why it matters

The high number of lives saved at Santa Rita Jail highlights the critical role of staff in providing emergency medical care and intervention to prevent deaths in custody. However, the jail has also faced scrutiny over the high number of deaths, with activists pushing for changes to the medical provider contract. The updates to the mail system aim to address the smuggling of dangerous contraband, but raise questions about balancing safety and maintaining connections for incarcerated individuals.

The details

According to the Alameda County Sheriff's Office, the 336 lives saved at Santa Rita Jail in 2025 marked a significant increase from 250 the previous year. The staff used the overdose-reversing drug Narcan 55 times in both 2024 and 2025 to revive people who had suspected overdoses, suicide attempts, and medical emergencies. While the specific details of each incident were not revealed, the sheriff's office said they are working to improve conditions and services for those in custody. The sheriff also announced updates to the jail's mail system to reduce the influx of contraband, such as fentanyl being sent in letters and packages, though the details of these changes were not provided.

  • In 2025, the staff at Santa Rita Jail saved 336 lives.
  • In 2024, the staff saved 250 lives.

The players

Yesenia Sanchez

The sheriff of Alameda County, who has made improving conditions at Santa Rita Jail a top priority.

Wellpath

The medical provider that has a five-year, $250-million contract with Alameda County to provide healthcare services at Santa Rita Jail, which expires in 2027.

Alameda County Behavior Health Services

A county agency that works with the sheriff's office to provide services and improve conditions for those in custody at Santa Rita Jail.

Stop Deaths and Harm

An activist group that has been pushing for the Alameda County Sheriff's Office to end its contract with Wellpath, as several deaths at Santa Rita Jail have been attributed to medical reasons.

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What they’re saying

“I have made improving the quality of life at Santa Rita Jail a top priority, and I have worked with Wellpath, Alameda County Behavior Health Services, and community-based organizations to strengthen services and improve conditions for those in our custody.”

— Yesenia Sanchez, Alameda County Sheriff (KTVU)

What’s next

The Alameda County Sheriff's Office said it is working to balance safety and maintaining connections for incarcerated individuals as it relates to the updates made to the jail's mail system. The contract with Wellpath, the medical provider at Santa Rita Jail, is set to expire in 2027, and activists have been pushing for the county to end the contract.

The takeaway

The high number of lives saved at Santa Rita Jail underscores the critical role of staff in providing emergency medical care and intervention to prevent deaths in custody. However, the jail's history of deaths and the ongoing issues with contraband smuggling through the mail system highlight the need for continued improvements in the quality of care and conditions for incarcerated individuals.