A York County nonprofit was awarded a $1 million grant from the federal government that it hopes will help improve access to healthcare for individuals reentering the community from incarceration. By improving access to healthcare, the organization aims to reduce recidivism and improve health outcomes.
Family First Health was awarded the grant from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration to improve access to primary care for individuals reentering the community from incarceration at the York County Prison.
“This funding enables us to better support individuals reentering society by addressing their health needs early, paving the way for healthier, more stable lives. Together with York County, we are creating a stronger system of care that promotes positive outcomes for all residents,” Jenny Englerth, president and CEO of Family First Health, said in a news release.
Family First Health said it was the only health center in Pennsylvania selected for this funding and one of just 54 centers nationwide. The organization is partnering with the York County Reentry Coalition to deliver targeted services to incarcerated individuals nearing release.
“York County is a community that comes together through collaboration and innovation to solve some of our most pressing issues,” York County Commissioner Julie Wheeler said in the news release. “This innovative partnership with Family First Health is the first of its kind in Pennsylvania. Together, we are leading the way in addressing both the physical and behavioral healthcare needs of those who leave incarceration and reenter our community, creating a healthier York County.”
The grant was awarded on November 18, and the program officially began on December 1. Since then, Family First Health has been working in collaboration with the York County Reentry Coalition to establish a framework for this initiative, officials said.
Over the next few months, officials say the focus will be on hiring a nurse care manager and a community health worker to be based at the Reentry Opportunity Center, a subsection of the York County Reentry Coalition located on the York County Prison campus.
The focus of the program will be on chronic health condition identification and coordination of management with Prime Care, the jail’s medical provider; prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment for Hepatitis C, HIV, and other infectious diseases; screening for substance use concerns and providing bridge medications; connection to primary medical, dental, optometry, and podiatry care in the community upon release; assessing and providing bridge support and services for behavioral health concerns; and providing accessible pharmacy options for individuals pending release. The team will also support individuals participating in this program with health-related social needs including housing insecurity, food insecurity, financial strain, and lack of transportation or access to public transportation.
A provider and clinical care team member will provide services onsite at the prison, which include clinical assessment and screening for individuals pending release within 90 days.
The program will be piloted by targeting individuals on work release and minimum-risk incarcerated individuals at the prison.
Family First Health was founded in 1970 and offers a range of primary health, dental and social services in several south central Pennsylvania counties.
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