Week in Review: April 4, 2025

April 4, 2025

In this Week in Review for April 4, we spotlight CalAIM’s Phase 2 launch; a program technician who turns to coaching; and observe Second Chance Month.

What’s New

CalAIM reaches new milestone with Phase 2 launch

CDCR and CCHCS have reached another milestone in the CalAIM initiative—California’s effort to transform Medi-Cal and improve care for justice-involved populations.

On April 1, Phase 2 launched 90-Day Pre-Release Services, a key step in supporting successful reentry. This phase includes Health Risk Assessments, Care Coordination, Reentry Care Plans, Warm Handoffs, and Final Release. Each element helps connect individuals to critical health and social services before they return to the community.

Phase One focused on laying the foundation. In partnership with the Department of Health Care Services, it included staff training, outreach, and developing materials to explain Medi-Cal benefits. These efforts ensured incarcerated individuals understood how to enroll and access care post-release.

Phase 1 also launched pharmacy claims for reimbursement, with 3,024 claims submitted as of March 25.

Later this year, improved data and billing processes will further streamline coordination.

Upcoming updates include better integration with community providers, easier appointment scheduling, and stronger care transitions to support long-term health outcomes.

Staff Spotlight – 3 Questions

3 Questions with DAPO’s Program Technician Lance Johnson

Building community, one game and event at a time

Lance Johnson Program Technician DAPO 3-Questions

For more than 17 years, Lance Johnson has served with CDCR—building a career while also building strong ties to his community. Outside of work, he is a volunteer coach with the Folsom Youth Basketball Association, mentoring his 14-year-old son and other local youth.

He also supports Total Body Fitness, where he helps youth and adults stay active and healthy.

From setting up bike races and triathlons to lending a hand at boating events, Johnson stays busy giving back in the Folsom and Granite Bay areas.

What’s a typical day like in your job?

Most of my workday is spent behind a desk and in front of a screen. I connect with staff across the country, building relationships by talking about trends and current events. Though it’s a desk job, I enjoy the teamwork and collaboration it takes to get things done.

How do you balance work and home life?

I actually find work to be a welcome break from the daily demands of home life. And at the same time, I really enjoy coming home and being with my family—it’s a nice reset from the workday. Both spaces give me a different kind of energy and perspective.

How do your hobbies help you stay balanced?

Volunteering keeps me mentally and physically active. Coaching basketball and helping with fitness events allow me to give back while spending quality time with family and friends. It keeps me grounded and connected to the community.

Observances

Second Chance Month focuses on reentry, rehabilitation

April marks Second Chance Month, a nationwide effort to recognize the importance of rehabilitation and reentry for justice-involved individuals. Read the full story.

Governor Gavin Newsom issued a proclamation declaring April 2025, as Autism Acceptance Month. Read proclamation here: Governor Newsom proclaims Autism Acceptance Month | Governor of California

In the Community

OVSRS Shares Restitution Resources at Sacramento Public Library Fair

OVSRS Staff at Sacramento Public Library

On March 27, staff from the Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services (OVSRS) Restitution Unit joined more than a dozen agencies at the Sacramento Public Library Reentry Resource Fair. The event brought together local organizations to assist those approaching release, navigating reentry, or adjusting to post-release life.

OVSRS staff spoke with approximately 45 attendees, offering information on restitution and the available support systems for those reintegrating into the community.

In addition to one-on-one engagement, staff provided brochures outlining available services and emphasized that OVSRS remains a resource for individuals and their support networks throughout every stage of the reentry journey.

California Model

PBSP Facility A Hosts First California Model Symposium

Pelican Bay State Prison’s Facility A recently hosted its inaugural California Model Symposium, bringing together the incarcerated population, staff, and mental health and medical professionals to advance the principles of rehabilitation and normalization.

The event showcased the core pillars of the California Model, which aims to create a healthier, more constructive prison environment to better prepare individuals for reintegration into society. Both staff and incarcerated individuals presented at the symposium, sharing insights and promoting open dialogue.

The symposium highlighted Pelican Bay’s leadership in implementing the California Model and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to meaningful culture change within its facilities. Attendees left inspired by the collaborative effort and shared purpose on display.

In Our Institutions

ISUDT Wellness Fair at Avenal State Prison

Avenal State Prison held an Integrated Substance Use Disorder Treatment (ISUDT) Wellness Fair to raise awareness for incarcerated persons on the life-saving treatment for substance use disorder. Incarcerated people on Facility A participated in basketball tournaments and other recreational events and received valuable information from health care/ISUDT staff.

With a surge of overdoses and overdose deaths happening in the United States, the goal is to educate as many incarcerated persons as possible on these life-saving efforts. Medical staff gave a briefing on the proper usage of Narcan, along with where Narcan can be found in the housing units. The Peer Support Specialist Program was on hand to answer questions. The event also included live music and refreshments. Information on valley fever prevention and vaccinations were also available.

Pelican Bay celebrates International Women’s Day

Pelican Bay State Prison recently hosted its second International Women’s Day celebration, held in conjunction with Women’s History Month in March. The event honored the vital contributions of women throughout history and celebrated the strength, courage and perseverance of women who have broken barriers across generations.

Pelican Bay International Women's Day image of a group of women

Thanks to the hard work of dedicated staff, the celebration included a keynote address by Chief Deputy Warden Michael Betzinger, a catered lunch, commemorative gifts and trivia on women’s history. The event created an atmosphere of unity and respect among staff.

“This is a reflection of our shared commitment to equality, empowerment and creating a supportive and inclusive environment,” Betzinger said. “I have no doubt this event will continue to grow and inspire future generations.”

Pelican Bay looks forward to building on the success of this year’s event and continuing the tradition in 2026.

Congresswoman Torres donates books to CIW library

Congresswoman Norma Torres with CIW staff presenting donated books

On March 19, Congresswoman Norma Torres visited the California Institution for Women (CIW) and donated books to the library.

The books were provided by the Library of Congress and are now part of the growing institutional collection at CIW. During her visit, Congresswoman Torres spoke with the population about what books are popular and what materials are still needed.

Several book suggestions were shared, and Torres encouraged ongoing dialogue about expanding access to reading and educational resources.

CIW management, librarian Ms. McConnell, and the population expressed deep gratitude for the donation and the promise of future books.

Rehabilitation

North Kern Hosts Reentry Fair to Prepare the Incarcerated for Life After Prison

North Kern State Prison recently hosted a Reentry Resource Fair, supporting incarcerated individuals on their journey toward successful reintegration. The event brought together local, state and nonprofit organizations dedicated to helping people access essential tools and support services.

Correctional Counselor III – E. Diaz
Parole Administrator I – B. Mendoza
Correctional Administrator – J. Moreno
Deputy Director of Rehabilitative Programs – S. Tanimoto
Amity Staff Program Director – D. Baltierra
Southern District Regional Administrator – O. Dean
Parole Agent III – J. Harris
Community Resources Manager – Ricky Dela Cruz
Parole Agent II – T. Brehm

Incarcerated at resource tables interacting with staff NKSP

More than 400 attendees participated, including incarcerated individuals, North Kern staff, outside stakeholders and CDCR staff from other institutions. Incarcerated participants explored resource booths offering information tailored to their needs, whether nearing parole or earlier in their development.

Resources covered key areas such as employment, education, housing, vocational training, identification cards, probation, and the Male Community Reentry Program.

Many attendees said they felt more prepared for life after prison and motivated to continue working toward their goals. Staff also gained insight into available services, helping build stronger support networks within the facility and beyond.

The Division of Adult Institutions continues to strengthen partnerships with service providers to support rehabilitation and successful community reintegration. Several organizations, including those led by formerly incarcerated individuals, voiced their commitment to collaborating with North Kern on future events.

Their shared goal is to ensure every person reentering society has the preparation, resources and support they need to succeed.

In the Media

Incarcerated individuals with two black labradors

With tears and tail wags, San Quentin inmates reunite with puppies they raised into service dogs. Hugs, tears, barking and tail wagging abounded at San Quentin when two black Labradors reunited with the incarcerated men who helped raise them to be service dogs. Read full story: San Quentin inmates reunite with puppies they raised into service dogs | AP News

Why California prisoners’ recidivism rate dropped to lowest level in a decade. Crime rates for prisoners who were released in California five years ago fell to their lowest level in at least a decade. Read full story: Calif. prisoners’ recidivism rate dropped to lowest level in a decade