Jail Re-entry in Dallas: Achieving Public Health Goals through System Based Partnerships and Leadership

Texas Health Institute (THI) has worked with Parkland, the county health department, city and county law enforcement and non-governmental organizations to develop solutions to improve the health of individuals that frequently enter the criminal justice system. Through the CDC-funded planning grant, the goal was to identify: what are the proven parts of a community-based program that will prepare Dallas County jail inmates for successful re-entry, improve their access to health services after release and improve overall health status.

THI used a multi-sector collaborative approach with a broad representation of the major groups in the Dallas community who have a stake in the health of prison inmates. These groups are most qualified to come together to review what is known from experience in other communities as well as from scientific research about this issue, and to bring their own beliefs and experiences into an effort to develop a way to improve health problems and health services.

Out of a large community wide stakeholder meeting involving both providers, consumers and their families, THI facilitated the development of work groups who identified priorities. Their findings and recommendations were presented to community leaders, including elected officials and philanthropy who developed a funding plan for the implementation of the project and well as a strategic plan for future collaboration.