NCJ Number
207665
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 66 Issue: 6 Dated: October 2004 Pages: 120-122-141
Date Published
October 2004
Length
4 pages
Annotation
The public health model, as developed by the Hampden County Correction Center (Massachusetts), offers a framework for providing a spectrum of health and mental health services to inmates, linking them to the community from which they came and will return.
Abstract
This model builds collaborations among community health, correctional health, and public health agencies in contracting with nonprofit community providers to reduce health care costs. The health services and programs in the Health Services Department at the Hampden County Correctional Center (HCCC) are early assessment and detection, prompt and effective treatment according to a community standard of care, comprehensive health education, prevention measures, and continuity of care in the community upon release. The latter involves links with community health-care centers. The case-management component of the model has increased rates of treatment compliance, improved show rates for post-incarceration clinic appointments, and reduced the use of local emergency rooms for primary health care. The implementation of the Public Health Model of Care for Corrections has improved inmate and community health, public safety, correctional staff safety, and the use of the health care system. It has also resulted in cost savings for communities and high-quality health care at a cost no greater than the national average. With sufficient support, this model can be replicated in a variety of settings.