Kersendria Abdullah, MSW, Bridge, Inc., 177-39 106th Avenue, Jamaica, NY 11433, 718-557-1489, kkla916a@aol.com

Ex-prisoners with mental health needs require close linkage to services on release. Research demonstrates the value of immediate services for this population to prevent recidivism on release from jails and prisons. This presentation addresses the innovative work of the Bridge program in New York City that provides intensive case management while the prisoner is still incarcerated and continues outside to prevent recidivism.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe mental health consequences of incarceration and strategies for linking ex-prisoners to services immediately on release
• Describe three evidence-based results of intenstisve case management for ex-prisoners with mental health needs
• Understand methods for utilizing existing state and local programs and funding systems to implement case management programs.

Keywords: Prisoners Health Care, Mental Health Services

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.