Jail Linkage Project
An Effective Practice
Description
The Jail Linkage Project connects Health Department’s communicable disease services with the Pinellas County Jail’s high-risk inmates. The program provides HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis prevention information, education, and testing to the incarcerated population. The program reaches a medically underserved population, many of whom are involved in high-risk behaviors including injection drug use, needle sharing, and unprotected sex. The Jail Linkage Project collaborates with numerous community-based organizations and health care facilities in order to ensure access to service and care.
Goal / Mission
The goal of the Jail Linkage Project is to connect the incarcerated population with health care screening and prevention services.
Results / Accomplishments
The program has reached 95% of the target population to provide risk assessment and screening for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis. The program provides pre- and post-test counseling and education. Inmates have been screened for TB and given hepatitis A and B vaccines. Staff also provide the inmates with referrals and linkages to care and treatment following their release.
About this Promising Practice
Organization(s)
Pinellas County Health Department HIV/AIDS Program
Primary Contact
Lisa Cohen, Area 5 HIV/AIDS Program Coordinator
205 Martin Luther King Street North
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 824-6902
lisa_cohen@doh.state.fl.us
http://www.pinellashealth.com/
205 Martin Luther King Street North
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 824-6902
lisa_cohen@doh.state.fl.us
http://www.pinellashealth.com/
Topics
Health / Immunizations & Infectious Diseases
Health / Health Care Access & Quality
Health / Health Care Access & Quality
Organization(s)
Pinellas County Health Department HIV/AIDS Program
Source
National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO)
Date of publication
2005
Location
Pinellas County, FL
For more details
Additional Audience
Inmates