Since 2022, TCCH has provided 24/7 health care services, along with comprehensive intake assessments, for all 5,800 annually incarcerated individuals under the supervision of the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office. While those residing in the IRC jail have access to health care services, there are gaps in care for those who are assimilating back into the community. Individuals who have ongoing health care needs find themselves with minimal to no medical team or support as they transition into life outside of the IRC jail. And waiting lists for providers, especially for specialists, are challenging for residents of IRC.

This grant will allow TCCH to develop a continuity of care program for incarcerated individuals who are within 90 days of release from the IRC jail, in addition to following patients after release. The goal of this program is to strengthen transitions in care for these individuals by increasing their access to community-based, high-quality, primary care services with special attention on substance use disorder (SUD) support. Fifty percent of incarcerated individuals meet the criteria for SUD, leaving them at high risk for overdose and death upon release.

“Our partnership with the IRC Jail has really improved the lives of those residing in the jail, so we’re ecstatic to receive this grant to further develop programs for incarcerated individuals,” said Heather Miranda, TCCH Executive Vice President. “As we better prepare incarcerated persons to handle stressors and reduce recidivism, we directly improve the health of our community, and I’m honored to be given the opportunity to continue this work.”

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