AIDS in Prison Program

The goal of this program is that prisoners, after release, have information about and access to services in their home communities regarding their disability. Formal and informal feedback from prisoners and prison staff is reviewed by NRCIL's Executive Director, Program Director and AIDS in Prison Program staff assess outcomes, identify gaps and develop new objectives.

The Corrections Support Coordinator, (CSC), works directly with the medical and other staff at each correctional facility. Medical staff contact each inmate who has been tested HIV+ to determine if they wish to receive NRCIL services. Prisoners who sign a HIV Release of Information have an intake meeting with the CSC and depending on their interest will be referred to a NRCIL support group or when available one-on-one advocacy with the CSC. Department of Corrections medical records will be individually reviewed with participating prisoners approximately once per month to discuss treatment diagnosis and help prisoners understand health, immune system and medications.

The Corrections Transition Planner, (CTP), provides comprehensive discharge planning services that directly link pre-releasees who are HIV+ with services upon return to their home communities. Working individually with inmates with HIV the CTP ensures that releasees are linked with entitlements, case managers, medical services and other support services relevant to individual situations. Releasees who participate in NRCIL's program have access to enhanced personal skills to manage their health, service and personal care, access to appropriate services in their home community, introduction to lifestyle changes and enhanced quality of life.
Two HIV Educators joined NRCIL staff in fall 1997 to initiate comprehensive AIDS education in five State Correctional Facilities. The program includes education to the general prison population, focus groups, and inmate peer training of trainers.
 

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AIDS Community Resources / Planned Parenthood of NNY