NCJ Number
197285
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 64 Issue: 6 Dated: October 2002 Pages: 127-129
Editor(s)
Susan L. Clayton M.S.
Date Published
October 2002
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article presents an overview and evaluation of the discharge-planning program under the Nevada State Health Division, specifically for inmates with HIV/AIDS to increase the potential adherence to medical treatment outside the prison community.
Abstract
In 1997, it was reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that the rate of confirmed AIDS cases for inmates was five times the U.S. rate. To increase the probability that inmates with HIV/AIDS would seek medical care once outside the prison community, the Nevada State Health Program established a discharge-planning program in 1999 to increase an individual’s adherence to medical treatment once outside the prison system. The discharge-planning program brings the community to the correctional setting. Inmates with HIV/AIDS meet with a community nurse 1 month prior to release. Available treatment needs and medical services are discussed. They also receive a 1 month supply of medication by the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP). Upon an initial meeting with the community clinic, offenders provide a psychosocial history to identify service needs and possible treatment obstacles. An evaluation was conducted on the program to determine the impact of the program on recidivism and adherence to medical treatment for HIV-positive inmates leaving the prison system. The evaluation demonstrated that individuals receiving discharging planning demonstrated an impact on adherence to medical treatment outside the prison for those offenders with HIV. Older individuals, Hispanics, and Caucasians were more likely to pick up their medication compared to other groups. The largest percentage of those inmates removed from ADAP for noncompliance were African-Americans.