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SIFC Healthcare Subcommittee – August 2019

Statewide Inmate Council Family Council Healthcare Subcommittee – August 2, 2019

 

Influenza Vaccinations and Education Update

The Department is using a five pronged approach to optimize influenza vaccination rate:

  1. Internal communications utilizing website with information sent to all institutions
  2. Tools for providers to identify those at greatest risk. A national matrix will be used to measure institutional effectiveness in vaccine administration.
  3. Materials from Center for Disease Control will be made available to institutions; educational pamphlets for inmates
  4. All staff at institutions will be given materials to help follow process
  5. All (inmates, staff, visitors) are encouraged to get vaccinated. County health departments ask that those not vaccinated wear a mask. Vaccination is not mandatory for staff. It is up to leadership to educate all through MAC’s, educational TV, nursing visits and annual exams, and through dental visits which have become  more utilized now that copays are gone.

Cellulitis (MRSA)

Presentation was by Dr. Song via conference call. Over a two year period 1250 inmates were hospitalized or had ER visits due to skin related conditions. In 2018 treatment guides were issues for both soft tissue infections and for infection prevention. There were some technical issues with conference call connection, but Dr. Song did not specifically address MRSA.

 

Integrated Substance Use Disorder Treatment Program (ISUDTP) Update

With the opioid epidemic, a new statewide prison initiative (ISUDTP) will be implemented at all institutions. Funding has been approved for 2019-2020 fiscal year. Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT) now includes 220 patients. Vendor bid has gone out for this new program; more information soon. In one nursing model, a patient population was found to be 44 times more likely to OD or commit suicide once paroled if released without this help. This help is not just medication but includes instruction on coping skills for life on the outside by improved access to mental health and general medical care (Medi-Cal), getting a State ID card, referral to social worker, and partnering with programs already functioning in counties where they are paroled.  Initially these support programs will be set up in Los Angeles County and Alameda County.

 

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Treatment for Fiscal Year 2018-2019

Dr. Wada reported that 7,000 inmates have been treated for HCV during this period. As of July 2019, 2400 are receiving active treatment. 11,500 inmates have chronic HCV and still need treatment. 4000-5000 inmates who need treatment have opted out. The goal for 2019-2020 will be to treat 7500 patients.