Public Health/Corrections Collaborations: Prevention and Treatment of HIV/AIDS, STDs, and TB, Research in Brief

• NCJ Number: 169590
• Author(s): T M Hammett
• Date Published: 1998
• Length: 19 pages
• Publication Series: NIJ Research in Brief
• Agencies: NIJ
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)

Annotation

This study examined the extent and nature of public health/corrections collaborations in the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS, STDs (sexually transmitted diseases), and TB (tuberculosis).

Abstract

Findings were based on responses to the 1997 NIJ/CDC national survey of correctional systems and site visits to six States and five city/county jurisdictions. According to survey findings, virtually all correctional systems have at least some collaboration with public health agencies. Site visits identified numerous collaborations in disease surveillance, testing and screening, follow-up, education and prevention programs, staff training, treatment services, and legislation and policy development. There were fewer collaborations in discharge planning and transitional services for people being released. Most collaborations involved public health departments providing funds, staff, or direct services in correctional facilities. Key factors in successful collaboration include the availability of data on disease burden or dramatic events; organizational, legislative, or regulatory provisions that provide for cooperation; attitudes and philosophies that facilitate cooperation; health department funding of programs in correctional facilities and operational features; and communication and information exchange. The report recommends public health agency collection and dissemination of data on the burden of infectious disease in inmate populations. It also proposes including correctional representation on all HIV prevention planning groups, as well as public health agency initiation or expansion of funding for services and staff in correctional facilities. Finally, the report recommends public health and correctional agency recognition of the importance and potential benefits of interventions in correctional settings to the health of the larger community. Rhode Island's and New York State's models of collaboration are profiled. 2 exhibits, 11 notes, and an appended summary of collaborative efforts identified during site visits