Program Example

The Georgia Department of Corrections offers its inmates various kinds of medical care, depending on the type and severity of an individual’s medical condition. Since the mid-1990s, the Department of Corrections has run “chronic care clinics,” which provide health care and health education for inmates with chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or HIV/AIDS. The Prerelease Planning Program (PPP) for HIV-positive inmates arranges for them to be seen at the Ryan White Clinic after their release.

Since the early 1990s, the Department of Corrections has supplied all individuals at the time of their discharge with a minimum of two weeks of medication. Mental health patients receive one month’s worth of medication, since the transition to the care of a community-based provider typically takes longer than two weeks. For inmates with conditions other than HIV/AIDS, the ability of the DOC to facilitate postrelease treatment is contingent on the status of an individual’s medical insurance. DOC nurses will set up appointments with community providers when possible and enroll eligible individuals in Medicare.