A chart showing use or prison medical release — how many were referred, failed to meet criteria, denied release, died before a decision, and released from 2019-2023.

North Carolina's medical release program

The outcomes of medical release cases from 2019 to 2023.

A N.C. Department of Adult Correction spokesperson said the 2021 increase in medical release cases came from a complete system-wide review, resulting in the identification and disposition of cases. The decrease of cases seen in 2022 and 2023 was anticipated after the clearance of long-standing cases in 2021. In 2023, six cases are pending review as of Sept. 25.
Chart: Rachel Crumpler/NC Health NewsSource: N.C. Department of Adult CorrectionCreated with Datawrapper