Improving Access to Health Care for Wisconsin's Returning Citizens

• In Event: Innovative Approaches and Evaluations to Improving Health among Justice-involved Persons

Abstract

People returning to their communities following extended periods of incarceration are at increased risk for experiencing major health issues such as untreated behavioral health disorders, high risk of overdose following release, and chronic health diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Upon reentry, housing and employment concerns typically take precedence over addressing health care needs, delaying the establishment of a medical home for returning citizens. In Wisconsin, over 200,000 citizens return from jails and prisons annually, approximately 65% of which are served by the Advocate Health Care system. To address this need, Advocate launched its Returning Citizens program in 2020, which provides primary care and linkages to needed services for those who are returning to the community following incarceration. Our evaluation of the program will quantify important program activities and outcomes, including outreach activities, resources provided, and the number of eligible returning citizens connected to a primary care doctor. Findings from this study have the potential to inform the development and implementation of reentry health care clinics in other jurisdictions.

Authors

• Leon Sawh, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

• Jana Hirschtick, Advocate Aurora Research Institute

• Bryan Winters, Aurora Sinai Family Care Center / Southern New Hampshire University