Kim Sterling, Author at NCCHC Resources

Kim Sterling

CLA report Social Determinants of Health

Rethinking Success in Corrections: Beyond Recidivism

For decades, correctional systems have gauged success through recidivism rates—but what if that measure tells only part of the story? A report from the Correctional Leaders Association (CLA), led by the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, challenges that long-standing approach and offers a data-driven alternative that connects correctional outcomes to public health. Social Determinants […]

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Reduce Risk & Improve Outcomes: New 2026 Mental Health Standards

NCCHC has released the 2026 edition of the Standards for Mental Health Services in Correctional Facilities—an important update that strengthens requirements for documentation, accountability, and best practices in correctional mental health care. The new Standards place increased focus on suicide prevention, crisis intervention, and treatment continuity, helping facilities deliver safer, higher-quality care. Facilities undergoing Mental

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Suicide Prevention: Taking Care of Correctional Health and Custody Professionals

As Suicide Prevention Month comes to a close, it’s important that we continue to keep the health and wellbeing of our friends, families, coworkers, and ourselves in mind. All too often, correctional health and custody professionals put others first in their personal and professional lives. With a call to serve, that makes perfect sense and

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Jail and Prison Standards

Preparing for the 2026 Jail and Prison Health Standards: How NCCHC Resources Can Help

The National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) has released the 2026 edition of the Standards for Health Services in Jails and Prisons, the leading framework for quality improvement and accreditation in correctional health care. Building on the 2018 editions, the new Standards introduce important enhancements—including expanded interpretive guidance and detailed documentation requirements—to help facilities

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Jail Renovation: Planning for Medical and Mental Health Operations

Many correctional institutions across the country have surpassed their intended 50-year lifespans. In a recent article in Correctional News, NCCHC Resources Managing Director Fred Meyer, MA, CJM, CCHP, and Lead Consultant Nancy Booth, MSN, RN, CCHP-RN, explore the unique challenges of planning for health care needs during facility renovations or new construction. Key Challenges Include:

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Delivering Care Behind Bars: How Sick Call Reflects a System Under Pressure

By Nancy Pieraccini , MAT-C, CCHP-A In correctional facilities, access to health care often starts with a simple piece of paper—or an electronic message—known as a “sick slip” or “kite.” This formal request, submitted by an incarcerated individual, alerts health staff to a medical concern. Less formal but equally important are verbal requests made during

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10 Things Jail Commanders Care About More Than You Think: What Health Care Staff Should Know

We previously posted what custody should know about medical. Here’s the other side.  When you work in correctional health, it’s easy to focus on your own team’s goals—getting through sick call, meeting mental health needs, documenting properly. But for jail commanders or other custody leaders, the job is different. They’re responsible for everything—security, operations, and

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What Jail/Prison Medical and Mental Health Staff Need Custody to Understand – Top 10

Understanding the everyday details that help health professionals provide safe, ethical care behind the walls Correctional officers and custody staff are trained to maintain safety, order, and control. Medical and mental health professionals in correctional health care have a complementary mission: treating illness, reducing harm, ensuring safety, and protecting patient rights. Sometimes, what correctional health

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Jail Guidelines for the Medical Treatment of SUD 2025

NCCHC Releases New Jail Guidelines for Medical Treatment of SUD

  NCCHC’s new resource, Jail Guidelines for the Medical Treatment of Substance Use Disorders 2025, provides the latest research and best practices for addressing the opioid crisis and ensuring that incarcerated individuals receive effective treatment. This free publication incorporates up-to-date, evidence-based recommendations for implementing and evaluating medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs, along with insights into the

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