Comprehensive Care: The Evolution of Correctional Healthcare Services

As correctional healthcare continues to evolve, providing comprehensive services to individuals in the criminal justice system has become increasingly important. Roadrunner Health Services stands out as a positive contribution to this evolution, offering medical, dental, and mental health services to facilities across the Southwest. This article will explore the role of Roadrunner Health Services in shaping a more streamlined and compassionate future of correctional care. 

Correctional Health Services: A Vital Need

Within the walls of correctional facilities, the need for healthcare is undeniable. Yet, historically, the quality of care within these settings has been inconsistent, with much room for improvement. Over the last 25 years, Roadrunner Health Services (RHS) has made it its mission to meet this need. Through a blend of expertise, dedication, and compassion, RHS has transformed the approach to prison care, prioritizing the well-being of every patient.

The Evolution of Care

Correctional healthcare used to be synonymous with neglect, and we at RHS are doing everything possible to change that narrative. RHS believes that individuals deserve access to compassionate, high-quality medical services. This ethos drives the evolution of care within correctional facilities, propelling RHS to continually raise the bar in patient-centric services. Instead of simply treating acute illnesses and injuries, there is now a greater emphasis on preventative care, chronic disease management, and mental health support.

Preventative Care

In the past, preventative care within correctional facilities was often overlooked, with resources primarily allocated towards addressing immediate health concerns. However, according to the National Institute of Health, the lack of preventative healthcare in correctional settings causes increased costs and poorer health outcomes. Shifts toward more intentional preventative care are reflected in vaccinations, screenings, and health educational programs to prevent the onset of diseases and promote healthier lifestyles among inmates. By being proactive and addressing risk factors early on, these initiatives benefit not only the individual receiving care but also the facility as a whole.

Chronic Disease Management

The prevalence of chronic diseases among incarcerated individuals has spurred a reevaluation of healthcare strategies within correctional facilities. According to the National Institute of Health, chronic heart disease, chronic respiratory conditions, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and epilepsy are all conditions that, when poorly monitored, can be "exacerbated and lead to rapidly deteriorating health and/or emergency situations." By effectively managing chronic conditions, correctional healthcare facilities aim to enhance the quality of life for inmates and reduce the burden on emergency medical services.

Mental Health in Correctional Facilities

In recent years, there has been a significant evolution of correctional health services. RHS focuses on treating physical problems while also looking at the mental health implications or causes. Research has shown that incarcerated individuals are disproportionately affected by mental health issues, ranging from depression and anxiety to more severe conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Perhaps the most significant shift in advanced correctional healthcare is the increased emphasis on mental health support. 1963's Community Mental Health Services Act kickstarted substantial changes in the approach to mental healthcare in correctional facilities. Today, organizations like Roadrunner Health Services are leading the charge in offering comprehensive care that addresses inmates' physical and mental well-being.

RHS: Striving for Excellence

The unwavering commitment to excellence in patient care is at the core of RHS's mission. This commitment manifests in various facets of its operations:

Compassionate Care

Central to RHS's success is its compassionate team. Trained to navigate the unique challenges of correctional healthcare, our professionals provide medical expertise, empathy, and understanding.

Compassionate care leads to better health outcomes, such as reduced unnecessary testing and referrals, improved patient adherence, and reduced staff turnover. By fostering a culture of compassion, RHS ensures that every patient receives dignified and respectful treatment.

High Operational Standards

RHS, adheres to the highest quality and safety standards. RHS ensures that all facilities meet or exceed regulatory requirements through rigorous evaluation processes, including internal audits conducted by Hawkeye auditing.

Correctional healthcare is departing from traditional models focused solely on acute care. Instead, there is a greater emphasis on preventative care, chronic disease management, and mental health first aid support. This shift reflects a broader understanding of the complex healthcare needs of incarcerated individuals. By adopting a holistic approach to healthcare, correctional facilities improve outcomes for inmates and facility operations.

Are you ready to partner with RHS? We'll be glad to answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to discuss your options.