How can you address infectious diseases in correctional facilities?

1 Educate yourself and others

The first step to addressing infectious diseases in correctional facilities is to learn about the risk factors, transmission modes, prevention strategies, testing options, and treatment protocols for each disease. You can use reliable sources, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC), to access the latest guidelines and recommendations. You can also share this information with your colleagues, clients, and partners, and dispel any myths or misconceptions that may hinder effective care.

2 Advocate for adequate resources and policies

The second step is to advocate for the provision of adequate resources and policies that support the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infectious diseases in correctional facilities. This may include ensuring access to personal protective equipment (PPE), sanitation supplies, testing kits, vaccines, medications, and isolation units. It may also involve advocating for the implementation of evidence-based policies, such as screening, contact tracing, infection control, harm reduction, and continuity of care. You can use your voice, skills, and networks to communicate with decision-makers, stakeholders, and media, and highlight the needs and rights of incarcerated people.

3 Empower and support your clients

The third step is to empower and support your clients who are affected by infectious diseases in correctional facilities. This may include providing them with accurate and timely information, counseling, and referrals, and helping them navigate the complex and often stressful health care system. It may also involve ensuring that they receive respectful, compassionate, and culturally appropriate care, and that their privacy, dignity, and autonomy are protected. You can also help them cope with the emotional, social, and financial impacts of their condition, and connect them with peer support and community resources.

4 Collaborate and coordinate with other professionals

The fourth step is to collaborate and coordinate with other professionals who are involved in the care of your clients with infectious diseases in correctional facilities. This may include health care providers, social workers, case managers, correctional officers, lawyers, and parole officers. You can facilitate effective communication, information sharing, and problem solving among these professionals, and ensure that your clients' needs and preferences are considered and respected. You can also foster a culture of teamwork, trust, and mutual respect among these professionals, and acknowledge their contributions and challenges.

5 Monitor and evaluate your outcomes

The fifth step is to monitor and evaluate your outcomes as a patient advocate for infectious diseases in correctional facilities. This may include collecting and analyzing data on the incidence, prevalence, and mortality of these diseases, as well as the quality, accessibility, and satisfaction of the care provided. You can use this data to identify gaps, strengths, and areas for improvement, and to measure the impact and effectiveness of your advocacy efforts. You can also use this data to report your findings, share your best practices, and advocate for further changes and improvements.

6 Keep learning and improving

The final step is to keep learning and improving your skills and knowledge as a patient advocate for infectious diseases in correctional facilities. You can seek feedback, mentoring, and coaching from your peers, supervisors, and clients, and use it to enhance your performance and professional development. You can also pursue continuing education, training, and certification opportunities, and stay updated on the latest research, trends, and innovations in this field. You can also join and participate in professional associations, networks, and communities of practice, and learn from the experiences and insights of other patient advocates.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?