Cook County Jail (CCJ) is the largest single-site county pre-detention facility in the United States. In 1999, CCJ admitted over 104,000 detainees and housed approximately 10,000 detainees daily. Over 7,000 HIV tests were conducted yielding a positivity rate of approximately 5.5%. Detainees that are identified as HIV positive are offered a comprehensive approach to treatment and case management, including extensive support services. These services comprise health education, specialized clinical care, HIV medication counseling, mental health services, case management, and discharge planning. Health educators explain the HIV disease process and discuss risk factors and behavior modification. The patient is seen by a physician who specializes in HIV/AIDS care and a medical information specialist who discusses different treatment options with the patient; together they all decide upon the best treatment regimen. Mental health services are also provided, including both individual counseling and support groups. Additionally, the patient is offered case management and discharge planning. The case manager obtains any previous medical records from community providers to optimize treatment while the patient is at CCJ and assesses the patient for services they will need upon return to the community. The discharge planner facilitates the detainee's release by linking him with community based providers and service organizations. This coordinated approach to care for HIV infected detainees results in improved health not only during incarceration, but also upon the individual's return to the community.
Learning Objectives: 1. Identify essential components of a comprehensive HIV treatment and care program. 2. Recognize the overlap between correctional and community health care. 3. Describe a comprehensive health care program for HIV infected individuals in a jail setting
Keywords: Correctional Health Care, HIV/AIDS
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.