This project was a collaboration of many County of Santa Clara Departments: Department of Alcohol and Drug Services, Department of Public Health, Valley Medical Center and the Department of Corrections. The goals were to identify women of child-bearing age who were booked at the main jail; to assess for substance abuse and other health related issues; and to provide follow-up services linking the women with appropriate interventions and resources. The women were screened extensively with a tool by specifically trained nursing staff at intake, and then offered services based on a triage of the screening tool by the New Beginnings Staff of a drug and alcohol rehabilitation counselor, public health nurse and the project coordinator. During the 6-month project, 594 women were assessed and screened. Of those surveyed, 54% had Medicaid or private medical insurance. 49% reported using alcohol regularly, with 18% attested to substance use as a current behavior. Health problems that were self-reported included six women with known positive HIV status. Fifty six per cent of the women reported that they did not use birth control. Among these, eight percent indicated current status of two missed periods and therefore possible risk of pregnancy. Five percent reported a current pregnancy at the time of arrest. Three percent had known history of sexually transmitted diseases.
The PHN and rehabilitation counselor used the information from the screening tool to provide referrals to such services as alcohol and drug treatment, parenting classes, battered women’s shelters, housing, mental health services as well as health agencies.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to: Describe advantages for increased jail screening for pregnancy and other health issues.
Keywords: Access to Care, Women's Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None