Video by Rob Stewart and Kyle Buis
As we prepare for a busy holiday season, the executive leadership of CDCR and California Correctional Health Care Services extend their deep appreciation for the hardworking people who make this agency exceptional. We know so many are hard at work even on the holidays, keeping California safe and contributing to safer communities through correctional excellence.
Join us as we take a look back at just a few of our many accomplishments in 2019, and know that no matter your role in this agency, your contributions are vital and appreciated. Thank you so much for what you do, and we look forward to working together in 2020.
Transcript
Ralph Diaz, CDCR Secretary
As we sprint toward the end of 2019 and enter a new decade, the executive teams of CDCR and CCHCS want to take a moment to acknowledge our staff who make what we do possible, day in and day out – You: the hardworking, dedicated people of our agency.
Corrections is a 24-hour a day, seven day a week system, and as we prepare to celebrate with our loved ones, we know thousands of you are not at home. You are hard at work keeping our institutions and communities safe by fulfilling the mission and purpose of this great agency.
Thank you for your commitment to the people of California, and please extend our appreciation and love to your families for supporting you in the critical work of CDCR.
J. Clark Kelso, Receiver
All year round, CDCR and CCHCS staff rise above and beyond – our correctional officers and health care providers to our parole agents, educators, administrators, attorneys and everybody else who makes us the model for excellence. The work you do every day makes it possible for people who are incarcerated in state prisons to truly rehabilitate, address their health care needs, and successfully return home. It would not happen without you.
Diaz
We’ve accomplished so much in 2019 and we could not be more proud of each and every one of you. Let’s take a look back at some of our highlights.
(Voiceover)
In July we kicked off one of the biggest initiatives of our department that has the potential to completely change the way we treat substance use disorder in the prison system – the Integrated Substance Use Disorder Treatment program. The success of this project is bringing together every part of our agency working together for one common goal.
This year’s Medal of Valor ceremony was one of the best yet. We had a large number of groups recognized such as peer support volunteers serving at the tragic Paradise fire, the planners of the WWICJJ conference, and brave heroes who put themselves at risk to save lives.
CDCR working together with CAL FIRE, the California Conservation Corps and the Anti Recidivism Coalition, graduated the first class of formerly incarcerated cadets from the Ventura Training Center to become Certified Fire Crews including several who have found permanent employment as fire fighters.
In July, San Quentin was honored as the first ever Office of Correctional Education Distinguished School, which recognizes exemplary academic achievement within our agency’s adult education programs.
In September, the California Institution for Women became the first prison to be fully accredited by the joint commission. This effort took teamwork from all disciplines at the facility.
The Division of Adult Parole Operations unveiled the innovative pre-field orientation program which pairs new agents with experienced mentors for real-world training in effective parole supervision and reentry.
Once again staff turned out in large numbers across the state to participate in various events to benefit the Special Olympics, such as Torch Runs, Polar Plunges, Tip-a-Cops and more. In addition to the funds raised for this deserving program, staff demonstrate the importance of inclusion for all.
Earlier this year we redeveloped our emergency response policies and procedures to align with community standards. Throughout the year, staff have held trainings and live drills as part of this rollout.
This year’s Our Promise campaign was one of the best yet. Staff statewide opened their hearts and wallets to raise money for our community non-profits.
In support of breast cancer awareness, staff donned pink patches during the month of October. Thousands purchased these patches to support various breast cancer non-profits statewide.
Kelso
I look forward to seeing what we will achieve together in 2020.
Diaz
Espero ver lo que realizaremos juntos en el año 2020.
All
From our families to yours, happy holidays!