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American Public Health Association
133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition
December 10-14, 2005
Philadelphia, PA
APHA 2005
 
3088.0: Monday, December 12, 2005 - 11:30 AM

Abstract #118344

Optimal framework for transitioning HIV+ jail inmates to the community: Findings from a National Corrections Demonstration Project grantee

Valorie Eckert, MPH1, Helen Lin, MSW2, Cicily Emerson, MSW2, Guy Vandenberg, MSW2, Laurel Cima, MPA3, and Michael Pendo, PhD4. (1) HIV Prevention Research and Evaluation Section, California Dept. of Health Services, Office of AIDS, 1616 Capitol Ave, Suite 74-616, MS 7700, PO Box 997426, Sacramento, CA 95899-7426, (2) Continuum, 255 Golden Gate, San Francisco, CA 94102, 415-437-2900, cicily@continuumhiv.org, (3) HIV Prevention Policy and Program Development, California Department of Health Services, 1616 Capitol Ave, Suite 74-616, Sacramento, CA 95814, (4) San Francisco Department of Public Health, 25 Van Ness, Suite 500, San Francisco, CA 94102

Issues: In San Francisco, as across the nation, incarcerated persons, especially those of color, represent a population disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS. By participating in the National Corrections Demonstration Project (CDP), Continuum, together with the San Francisco Department of Public Health, sought to address this issue by creating a continuous stream of intervention, primary care, prevention, and psychosocial support and referral systems linking correctional and community settings.

Description: Continuum was funded by CDP to expand existing services for HIV + men and women at the San Francisco County Jail to more comprehensive services supporting a successful transition back into their community. Unique components include: (a) 3 months transitional housing, (b) money management, (c) intensive case management, (d) on-site medical care, (e) mandatory Breakfast Program, and (e) mental health counseling. A total of 256 HIV+ inmates (62% persons of color) received discharge planning in jail with 214 inmates going on to receive community case management services post-release.

Lessons learned: On average, case managers spent 38 hours on each client, 80% of which was face to face case management. Client and case manager focus groups outlined the following as a “successful” framework: 1st: Foster trust and facilitate insight into client's behavior-patterns that lead to re-incarceration and medical non-compliance. 2nd: Insure client's “ownership” over their transition. 3rd: Offer concrete and practical assistance for the client in stabilizing their lives and obtaining goals identified. Specific steps will be outlined.

Recommendations: Close collaboration between public health, corrections and community providers is necessary for successful seamless reintegration.

Learning Objectives:

  • Learning objectives
  • At the conclusion of the session participants will be able to

    Keywords: Incarceration, HIV/AIDS

    Presenting author's disclosure statement:

    I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

    Sexual Health and Personal Responsibility: The Burden of HIV/AIDS on the African-American Community

    The 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition (December 10-14, 2005) of APHA