Jails face a unique challenge: providing safe, effective health care to individuals who may arrive with urgent medical, mental health, and substance use needs. A new article in Correctional News by NCCHC Resources Managing Director Fred Meyer, MA, CJM, CCHP, explores opportunities to move from reactive care toward a more proactive approach that improves safety for people in custody and staff alike.
The article highlights the critical importance of the first 72 hours after intake, including effective suicide risk screening, withdrawal management, and timely clinical intervention. It also examines medication-assisted treatment, collaboration between custody and health professionals, staff training, facility design, and the potential role of artificial intelligence in identifying and managing health risks.
Together, these strategies can help jails strengthen intake, improve continuity of care, reduce preventable adverse outcomes, and create safer environments.