MENTAL / PHYSICAL HEALTH
Most people leaving prison have at least one chronic problem with physical health , mental health , or substance use ( Mallik-Kane and Visher 2008 ). These health problems make it harder to successfully reintegrate into the community after incarceration — affecting people ’ s ability to avoid offending and maintain employment , housing , family relationships , and sobriety . Historically , most people returning from prison lacked health insurance , impeding receipt of care for chronic health conditions and leading to high levels of emergency room use (
Healthcare after Incarceration )
Reentry Services staff have submitted requests for over 700 individuals to be enrolled into the Affordable Care Act healthcare program .
Along with referring individuals to the ACA healthcare program , staff are continuously referring individuals to local community providers such as local health departments , who are able to assist with immediate needs .
Community Coordinators have also established relationships with providers to provide on-site healthcare services , such as blood pressure screenings and mental health screenings .
WE ARE BLESSED TO OFFER A HAND UP THAT SOMEONE MAY NEVER HAVE THE CHANCE TO GRAB ONTO . WE ARE A LIGHT SWITCH WHEN THEY ARE WALKING IN THE DARK , IT ' S NOT WORK , IT ' S A CALLING TO WORK IN THIS ARENA .
Chris Walker , Coweta Circuit Lead Community Coordinator
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