NCJ Number
212784
Journal
International Journal of Comparative and Applied Criminal Justice Volume: 29 Issue: 1 Dated: Spring 2005 Pages: 19-32
Date Published
2005
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This paper discusses the importance in addressing the health care needs of inmates released from United States prisons, the need for change in the provision of correctional health care, and the future of transitional health care planning for this vulnerable population.
Abstract
Research shows that offenders have a higher prevalence of TB, substance abuse, chronic medical conditions, HIV/AIDS, and mental health problems than the general population in the United States. In addition, research shows a higher prevalence of illness among ex-offenders related to pre-arrest poverty, poor living conditions, intravenous drug use, and inadequate health maintenance and disease prevention practices. Because of their increased relative risk of adverse health outcomes, ex-offenders are identified as a vulnerable population. Many offenders lack the necessary resources or skills to initiate or maintain appropriate medical care, as well as their reluctance to seek treatment. This paper briefly discusses offender risk factors and discharge planning in meeting the health care need of ex-offenders, offender health care needs as identified by correctional health care providers, and the implications for public health and correctional agencies on a transitional health care plan. The transitional health care plan is a preventive measure intended to prevent a decline in current medical conditions and a relapse in mental health and substance abuse conditions, as well as the transmission of communicable, chronic and acute illnesses to the general public. References