February 8, 2010

San Francisco Clinic Is First Health Care Facility for Ex-Prisoners

The San Francisco–based Transitions Clinic is the first health care facility specifically helping former prisoners, The New York Times reports. According to a 2009 report from the RAND Corporation, HIV rates in prison populations are nine times higher than in the general population because of intravenous drug use, unprotected sex and tattoos made with unsterilized needles.

According to the article, the Transitions Clinic reaches out to patients before they are released and works with them during their parole. Once released, many ex-prisoners don’t know where to turn for medical treatment, are unaware of how to navigate the health care system and face caregivers who aren’t sensitive to their specific needs.

“A lot of these other clinics don’t know how to deal with ex-cons, how to talk to them, how to approach them,” said Ronald Sanders, community health worker at Transitions Clinic and a former prisoner.

The clinic’s medical director, Shira Shavit, MD, manages common post-prison chronic diseases and provides specialists’ referrals for former prisoners with advanced illnesses. Additionally the clinic offers connections to mental health and substance abuse counseling as well as housing and employment programs.

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Previous Comments:

A.J., Sacramento, 2010-02-15 18:37:29
Great Article and service for a population. A recent MPH student, I've been learning of the difficulties men/women have with obtaining healthcare and building self effecacy outside of prison. This service is a great step in the right direction. The one mans comment, he feels like the health care is the same as the President. WOW, thats powerful.

Kirk, Dallas, 2010-02-09 16:45:24
I commend Transitions Clinic in their approach and dedication to reach the "former prisoner". It is a missing facet in much of our HIV/AIDS prevention and education endeavors. I hope other AOC's and clinics will offer this type of outreach.

Marilyn, San Francisco, 2010-02-09 12:41:04
This is a long-awaited, much needed service. This population is in need of sensitive professional providers to assist them in obtaining apropriate health care, housing, and many other services they need. Transition should be as smooth for the exoffender as any other citizen and their needs addressed in the same professional, sensitive manner.

Brad, Palm Springs, CA, 2010-02-09 11:29:38
What a great idea! I can only imagine how difficult it must be to be POZitive in prison. Not only can you not talk about it, but I'm sure the treatment and support are pretty non exsistent. I am in southern CA, and if I could do anything to help as far as volunteer, please let me know. Please do a follow up on this story, and let us know how the program is working. Thank You, Brad S.