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Exploring the Future: CDCR, CCHCS staff experience emerging technologies

October 23, 2025

CDCR and CCHCS headquarters in Elk Grove was abuzz with energy Sept. 17 as staff explored cutting-edge innovations during the first ever technology fair. The event, hosted by the CCHCS Information Technology Services Division (ITSD) in collaboration with CDCR Enterprise Information Services (EIS), offered a firsthand look at tools reshaping how the departments deliver care, communicate, and operate statewide.

Staff and vendor partners filled the space with conversations and demonstrations of new technologies already in use and others in pilot stages.

The showcase featured everything from mixed reality training for health care staff to real-time environmental monitoring.

Employees visiting tables at the tech fair

Robert O’Brien, Director, CCHCS Information Technology Services Division and Edmond Blagdon, Director, CDCR Enterprise Information Services.

Innovations on display

The Oracle Health Clinical AI Agent and Oracle Health Patient Portal drew significant interest for their potential to streamline patient care. The portal allows incarcerated individuals to electronically submit form 7362 requests for medical services. The tool helps modernize the patient experience through faster, paperless communication.

Nearby, IT specialists Daniel Serrano and Marissa Nguyen demonstrated the new Digitizing the MH5 Form project. This creates a secure digital process out of the mental health alert form currently used by custody staff.

“This form is critical for communication between custody and mental health services,” said Serrano. “What used to take multiple steps can now be seen by staff immediately, ensuring patients get attention faster.”

Other highlights included immersive training through the Meta Quest 3 mixed reality headset, heat monitor sensors that automatically log temperatures and issue instant alerts, and new tools such as ServiceNow Live Chat, Foxit PDF Editor, and Microsoft Teams Rooms.

All aim to improve efficiency and collaboration.

EIS presented its latest apps for correctional officers’ tablets. It’s part of a growing suite of tools to improve real-time communication and data entry.

Vendor partners

Vendor partners included Oracle Health, Microsoft, HP, Intel, UniDoc, Verizon, Astute, 4Sight Labs, and Ameelio. They demonstrated technologies supporting staff and patient care across California’s correctional system.

Ameelio Connect featured secure video medical consult capabilities.
Astute’s SNAP+ AI Hubs offered analytics for smart facility management.
OverWatch by 4Sight Labs displayed biometric monitoring devices.
Verizon’s Private Wireless Network and Fleet Management Tools showcased advances in secure connectivity.
Oracle Health demonstrated both its Clinical AI Agent and Patient Portal for more efficient care coordination.
UniDoc Virtual eHealth Clinics introduced new options for virtual health delivery.
HP, Intel, and Microsoft highlighted advancements in workstations, processing, and collaboration technology that support day-to-day operations.

The fair also spotlighted infrastructure projects such as Starlink connectivity for conservation (fire) camps, Zero Trust security initiatives, and Wide Area Network transformation efforts.

Each reflects a shared goal across CCHCS and CDCR: building a smarter, safer, and more connected system for staff and patients alike.

“We hope you had a great time at our first ever technology fair,” CCHCS IT Services Director/Chief Information Officer Robert O’Brien told attendees. “We hope you were inspired with all the new technology (we will be) releasing over the next year or so.”

Story by Amanda Spangler, AGPA, CCHCS
Video by Ike Dodson, Public Information Officer II, CCHCS

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