People in prison and jail often have significant and complex health needs. High rates of chronic illnesses and communicable diseases are common in correctional institutions. In addition, the majority of people in prison and jail have a substance use disorder. The prevalence of mental illness — including schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder — is two to four times higher among people in prison than in the general public, and co-occurring disorders further add to the complexity of planning for treatment and release. Connecting people to effective treatment programs, prioritizing resources for high-risk groups and those nearing release, and encouraging community-based aftercare will ensure better outcomes for people released from prison and jail, and the communities to which they return. This session discussed best practices in each of these areas, with a focus on highlighting what works and what doesn’t in connecting people to necessary community-based care.

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• Handout