Correctional Health - Health Care in Incarcerated Populations

Incarcerated men and women have disproportionately high rates of chronic illnesses, infectious diseases, mental health disorders, and substance abuse. Minorities are significantly over-represented in this population and the number of female inmates is increasing at a dramatic rate. The availability of services and support systems for inmates reintegrating into the community after release is also an area of concern. 

As public health professionals with a goal of eliminating health disparities, the Massachusetts Public Health Association (MPHA) understands the importance of assuring that the physical and mental health needs of this population are addressed.

Correctional Health 101 is just one component of the MPHA’s Correctional Health Campaign. The audience for the Correctional Health 101 series and presentations from the series are listed below. For more information on the MPHA’s Correctional Health Campaign, go to http://www.mphaweb.org/pol_correct.html.

Correctional Health 101 - An educational series for those who want to learn more about the links between the criminal justice system & public health:

• Are you a public health practitioner or human service provider trying to reach high-risk populations?  
• Are you a correctional health professional dealing with the challenges of providing services to inmates with many needs?  
• Are you a policy-maker interested in learning more about a criminal justice system that spends millions of dollars to house and care for inmates?  
• Are you a student interested in learning about the needs of people moving through the criminal justice system? 

Videotapes of Correctional Health 101 seminars are available at a cost of $15 each. To order, make check payable to “MPHA” and mail to: MPHA, 434 Jamaicaway, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130. Please be sure to include your mailing address and indicate which seminar(s) you would like to receive copies of:

• The public health & corrections connection (including an introduction to the criminal justice system in Massachusetts)  
• Overview of adult & juvenile correctional healthcare delivery systems  
• Infectious disease & chronic illness  
• Mental health & substance abuse   
• Issues of race & gender  
• Reintegration as a public health concern

Visit the Massachusetts Public Health Association at www.mphaweb.org or call us at (617) 524-6696 x104 for more information.

Funding for Correctional Health 101 is provided by Agouron Pharmaceuticals