NCJ Number
89275
Journal
Corrective and Social Psychiatry and Journal of Behavior Technology Methods and Therapy Volume: 29 Issue: 1 Dated: (1983) Pages: 17-21
Date Published
1983
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Lack of intake screening, absence of medical records, lack of continuity of care and recognition of health problems, and inadequate sick call procedures are major problems with the health care provided in jails in rural Alabama.
Abstract
Other problems are the jails' poor relationships with health departments and the use of inmate trustees in medical care. Outbreaks of tuberculosis and hepatitis in jails in two rural Alabama counties demonstrated these inadequacies. These problems have intensified in recent years as a result of the court ruling halting admissions to the State prison system because of overcrowding and forcing State prisoners to remain in county jails for periods of up to several years. All parts of the community should be involved in the delivery of care, supervision, monitoring, and treatment of jail inmates. Health departments, pharmacists, emergency room nurses, physicians, and the mental health system should all work to provide acceptable levels of care to inmates. In addition, county officials need education regarding jail inmates' health needs and the options available to deal with them. Figures and 12 references are provided.