NCJ Number
198095
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 64 Issue: 7 Dated: December 2002 Pages: 108-110
Editor(s)
Susan L. Clayton M.S.
Date Published
December 2002
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article describes the Louisiana Elayn Hunt Correctional Center’s (EHCC) Inmate Peer Counselor/STD Education Program, extending their mission in providing public safety.
Abstract
The Elayn Hunt Correctional Center (EHCC) is Louisiana’s primary reception/intake center for State offenders. In the mid-1990's, the center conceived the implementation of a program that would teach inmates who volunteer to participate about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and than become peer educators and instruct their fellow offenders through mandatory STD education classes. The Inmate Peer Counselor/STD Education Program at EHCC was designed to provide knowledge to male inmates committed to the State of Louisiana to reduce the incidence and prevalence of STDs. This effort extended the mission statement of the center in protecting public safety. The uniqueness of this program is that it provides consistent, mandatory training to all adult male inmates accepted into custody in the most efficient possible way. The resources to operate this program are minimal. A registered nurse oversees the program and there are minimal training costs, obtained through nonprofit agencies. In addition to providing public safety through imprisonment/incarceration, EHCC is providing public safety through education and disease prevention.