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Abstract
Supporting the capacity for coordinated discharge planning for HIV positive offenders
R. Matthew1, S. Hayashi1, I. Howard2, K. Johnson2
Issues: Inmates of local and state correctional facilities are at high risk for HIV and other infectious diseases. Although inmates have access to prevention and treatment services in prison, the gaps in services during the period of transition from incarceration to the community provides a challenge for inmates. Some barriers to continuity of care during transition into the community include lack of access to medications, lack of suitable housing, lack of employment opportunities, and discrimination and stigma.
Description: To address the gaps in discharge planning and services for inmates and former inmates, the National Minority AIDS Council (NMAC) started the Prison Initiative which provides technical assistance, capacity building assistance, and HIV/AIDS education and resources to help community and faith-based organizations, correctional facilities, and health departments evaluate, improve, and implement effective discharge planning for HIV positive inmates and former inmates. Further, under this initiative, the National Partnership Network (NPN) was created to address the lack of coordinated and effective discharge planning and prevention services provided inmates and former inmates.
An evaluation to assess the effectiveness and impact of NMAC’s Prison Initiative to assist NPN constituents in developing program and organizational capacity to provide coordinated discharge planning services was conducted. The goal of the evaluation was to collect data that provided the needed feedback to allow the program to make data driven decisions.
Lessons learned: Participants in the NPN indicate the network meetings provide them with knowledge and skills they could use at their place of work, with the opportunity to network, and some insights regarding the information they would find very useful.
Next steps: In order to continue to assess the efficacy and impact of NMAC’s Prison Initiative, further follow-up with NPN entities to examine factors that enhance or diminish the viability of their coordinated efforts are needed.
AIDS 2008 - XVII International AIDS Conference
Abstract no.
THPE0775
Suggested Citation
"R.Matthew, et al.
Supporting the capacity for coordinated discharge planning for HIV positive offenders.
:
AIDS 2008 - XVII International AIDS Conference:
Abstract no.
THPE0775"
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