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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

LaKeesha N. Woods, PhD¹, Derrick M. Gordon, PhD¹, and Amilcar Armmand². (1) Department of Psychiatry, Division of Prevention and Community Research, Yale University, The Consultation Center, 389 Whitney Avenue, New Haven, CT 06511, 203.789.7645, lakeesha.woods@yale.edu, (2) The Consultation Center, Yale University, 389 Whitney Avenue, New Haven, CT 06511

The world to which prisoners return often is drastically different from the one they left upon incarceration. The large number of individuals released from prison annually and the resulting costs have raised interest in efforts to facilitate smooth community transitions to reduce recidivism. Most inmates report optimism about their lives after release as well as openness to pre- and post-release assistance, but anticipate challenges and obstacles. Threats to successful reentry include physical and mental health concerns; limited employment opportunities; inadequate education, social services, community involvement, and family support; and an extensive criminal history. However, positive indicators that impact reentry and recidivism exist. Research suggests that effective reentry initiatives comprise justice system-community planned interventions that build on prisoners' strengths while attending to their needs. Participation in programs such as drug treatment while incarcerated facilitates success for released prisoners. As release from prison results in substantial life changes, involvement in treatment programs as well as continuity of health care post-release is necessary to facilitate a stable transition. The proposed roundtable will outline the policies, goals, and practice of prisoner reentry initiatives that are based on best practices literature. The session will elaborate on individual and systemic health care barriers to reentry and facilitate discussion about interventions to reduce the barriers. At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to: recognize prisoners' reentry challenges and strengths, articulate current initiatives, and generate ideas to continue to reduce barriers and disparities to facilitate the success of former prisoners.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to

• Recognize prisoners’ reentry challenges and strengths.
• Articulate current reentry initiatives.
• Generate ideas to continue to reduce barriers and health care disparities to facilitate the success of former prisoners.

Keywords: Prisoners Health Care, Access and Services

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered