NCJ Number
181703
Journal
American Jails Volume: 13 Issue: 6 Dated: January/February 2000 Pages: 9-17
Date Published
2000
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article describes the public health model in place for inmates at the Hampden County Correctional Center near Springfield, Mass.
Abstract
For the past 7 years, the Center has operated a public health model that relies on five core principles: comprehensive detection, prompt and effective treatment, education, prevention, and continuity of care. Health officials conduct a detailed health assessment on all incoming inmates, screening for a variety of illnesses, including mental disorders and substance abuse. In collaboration with the State health department and Hampden County, the Center employs a full-time infectious disease nurse and a State-certified STD (sexually transmitted diseases) nurse. Each of the Center's 20 housing units is served by one of five registered nurses, who engage in proactive health services for inmates. The nurses will treat minor illnesses at the housing unit. Those with more serious illnesses are referred to the Center's health clinic. The Center contracts with each of the four community health centers in the Springfield/Holyoke region to provide a physician and a case manager to work at the clinic a couple of times a week. The Center also employs two full-time health educators. One focuses on AIDS and STD prevention, and the other provides prevention information to inmates on general and disease-specific health. In addition, a registered nurse at the clinic conducts weekly classes for all inmates with asthma, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, seizure disorders, and chronic pain. Further, the Center has taken specific measures to ensure that inmates have ready and ongoing access to services on release. This article provides a section on how to duplicate the public health model.