The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

5137.0: Wednesday, November 19, 2003 - 1:00 PM

Abstract #65597

Putting Prevention into Practice: Taking the Message Behind Bars

Lori M. Riley, MD, ACHN, Cook County/Englewood Health Center, 1135 W 69th St, Chicago, IL 60621, 773-483-5018, lorimriley@ameritech.net and Fred Smith, MHA, Ambulatory and Specialty Referrals, ACHN, John Stroger Hospital, 1900 W Harrison, Chicago, IL 60612.

Primary care for detainees of the Cook County Department of Corrections is provided by Cermak Health Services in Chicago, Illinois. The Department of Women’s Justice Services (DWJS) furlough program relies upon Cermak for treatment of women while participating in programs on site. However, once these female detainees are discharged, there is no continuity of treatment for preexisting problems or preventive screening. To provide comprehensive health care to detainee’s within their community, a collaborative relationship was developed between DWJS and the Ambulatory and Community Health Network (ACHN) of the Cook County Bureau of Health Services (CCBHS) in February 2001. An awareness team was formed to educate female detainees about preventive health and where to receive care within ACHN. This core team consists of an administrative coordinator and 2 family practioners who visit the correctional facility monthly. Additional allied health associates, dietary students and post-graduate medical doctors, joined the core group to enhance the learning experience for both the detainees and themselves. We believe this collaboration will increase preventive health care awareness about gender specific problems, nutrition and stimulate healthier lifestyle outcomes through referrals to ambulatory clinics for women participating in a furlough program.

Learning Objectives:

Keywords: Preventive Medicine, Prisoners Health Care

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Health of Incarcerated Women

The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA