Post-prison Reentry and Health: Addressing the Health Impacts of Incarceration on Returning Prisoners and Their Communities - The Transitional Health Clinic Model

I will discuss the importance of post-release care for the millions of Americans that are incarcerated each year, the vast majority of whom will return to their communities, often without insurance or linkages to medical care despite the disproportionately high rates of infectious diseases, addiction, mental illness, and chronic illness amongst this marginalized population. Incarceration provides an opportunity to diagnose, treat and provide linkages to care for these men and women. With a 13 times increased risk in all cause mortality in the two weeks following release, transitional care during this vulnerable time is crucial. I will discuss the structure of our post-release clinic at one of Massachusetts General Hospital's community health centers and the challenges and successes of implementing a post-release clinic within a large academic institution. In addition, I will address the importance of incorporating prisoner health and post-release care into residency curriculum to train the next generation of physicians in the health needs of this vulnerable population.