Keywords

community-based organizations, correctional health, HIV/AIDS, HIV prevention, public health

 

Authors

  1. Schady, Felicia F. BA
  2. Miller, Mary Ann MS, MPH
  3. Klein, Susan J. MS

Abstract

Numerous national, state, and local public health and correctional organizations and others recognize the important roles that community-based organizations and other agencies play in meeting the needs of persons incarcerated within local correctional facilities. Yet to date, there has been little, if any, guidance offered to community-based organizations about how best to approach local correctional facilities. This article discusses the process and outcomes of a collaborative process. Practical advice was drawn from the actual experiences of corrections staff, community-based organizations, and other agencies, including health departments, that are providing services in local correctional facilities. The product of this collaboration, a booklet entitled "How to Gain Access to County Jails for Delivery of HIV/AIDS Services: A Guide for Community-Based Organizations," outlines strategies for success that can be used to facilitate service delivery to incarcerated individuals with multiple primary and preventive health needs.