From the newest trends to the latest programs, there is a lot of news available regarding the correctional industry including healthcare. This section provides you with access to the latest industry news stories.
Miller County JP reports ‘largest carryover ever’
CHM has been providing inmate medical services to the Miller County Jail since March of 2009. According to the District 6 Justice of the Peace, Ernest Pender, the unpaid medical bills for the Sheriff’s Department were only $10,000 compared to $178,000 the previous year.
Correctional Healthcare Management (CHM), a subsidiary of Correctional Healthcare Companies, has been awarded a new contract to provide inmate pharmacy services at the Wichita County Jail in Wichita Falls, Texas. According to county officials, the pharmacy services provided by CHM will result in a savings of approximately $200,000, a 56% reduction in annual inmate pharmacy costs for the county.
Nurse shortage delays bookings at Sacramento County jail
Sacramento police officers are now spending up to five hours with their prisoners at the Sacramento County Main Jail booking room due to a shortage of intake nurses. The lack of nurses, who are responsible for approving inmates for incarceration, has been sidelining officers for a often a third or more of their shifts. As a result, nurses are feeling overworked and law enforcement agencies are frustrated by the amount of time their officers are spending away from their patrolling duties.
CHM Chosen as Healthcare Provider for Eagle County, Colo. Jail
Starting September 1st, Correctional Healthcare Management will be the healthcare provider for Eagle County jail inmates in Colorado. The decision to contract an outside medical provider was made by the Eagle County Sheriff's Office, county attorney, Board of County Commissioners and a public health manager.
The Roosevelt County Commission in New Mexico recently awared a contract to Correctional Healthcare Management for detention center inmate medical services. The vote was unanimous and the contract, approved July 21st, includes physical and mental health and pharmaceutical services.
The Eddy County Commission has approved a 12-month contract extension with CHM to provide mental health care services for inmates at the Eddy County Detention Center. "We have had fewer complaints and fewer problems (from inmates and their families)," said Warden D.P. Lyons. He added that the money spent by the county on CHM has been a good investment.
A public forum letter discusses the importance of community-based inmate healthcare in reducing prison populations and repeat offenders. The letter contends that a community-based approach has a positive affect on the management of addictions, mental issues, contagious diseases and domestic violence.
Former Surgeon General Tells Congress That Correctional Health Reports Were Suppressed
Former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Richard H. Carmona told a Congressional panel in July 2007 that top Bush administration officials suppressed his reports and opinions about the inadequacies of correctional health care and other public health topics.
Community organizations are working to ensure continuity of healthcare for prisoners
Community organizations across the country are working to ensure continuity of healthcare for prisoners during and after incarceration, a move that can save taxpayers money and better public health. One of these organizations is Community Oriented Correctional Health Services (COCHS) a non-profit that has recently partnered withCorrectional Healthcare Management (CHM).
Correctional Healthcare Management is running the new health care system at the Morgan County Jail — and the Sheriff says it is well worth the investment.
The Sheriff explains that although the care before was adequate, the structure of care has improved dramatically with CHM.
