An increase in mental and behavioral health needs has caused a spike in substance use issues for incarcerated individuals – treatment behind the walls can save lives and combat recidivism.
Doctors from detention center facilities around the state came together at the 2024 Winter MACo Conference to discuss how healthcare services in detention centers have evolved as mental and behavioral health issues have increased. With an abundance of clinical experience, this panel focused heavily on why treatment while incarcerated is so important for improving outcomes for individuals and communities.
Three of the panelists for this session work specifically in clinical services for detained individuals and reiterated the importance of a thorough intake assessment. And once an inmates medical needs are established, consistency and breadth of treatment is imperative.
Additionally, barriers to care such as a patient’s unwillingness to comply with treatment or medicine diversion were covered as major challenges facing detention center leadership. To that point, Dr. Murphy from the Montgomery County detention center specifically highlighted some tactics to follow.
- Individualized treatment
- Education/training for staff and patient
- Strong partnerships inside and outside the facility
- Continuous evaluation, monitoring, and feedback
- Adaptability to needs and circumstances
Health Secretary Herrera Scott also joined the panel to reiterate the important work the state is doing to get an 1115 waiver from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid. This will allow facilities to be reimbursed by medicaid for services provided to eligible incarcerated individuals, while in a detention center. More should be known about the waiver request in 2025. If successful this could provide some fiscal relief for detention centers trying to keep up with the increased need.
Title: Healthcare Hurdles: The Evolving Needs of Incarcerated Individuals
Speakers:
- Dr. Stephen Murphy – Division Chief, Medical and Behavioral Health Services, Montgomery County Department of Correction and Rehabilitation
- Jennifer Mroz – Vice President of Clinical Operations, PrimeCare Medical Inc.
- Dr. Laura Hererra Scott – Secretary of Health, Maryland Department of Health
- Dr. Oscar Jerkins – Chief Medical Director, Maryland Department of Public Safety & Correctional Services, Office of Clinical Services
Moderator: The Honorable Cory McCray, Maryland State Senate
More about MACo’s Winter Conference:
