FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (17-29)

CONTACT Cara Wilwerding, Communications Manager

OFFICE 402-479-5712 | cara.wilwerding@nebraska.gov

June 13, 2017 (Lincoln, Neb.) –Director Frakes is pleased to announce the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) the implementation of a new reentry strategy focused on health and wellbeing. Starting July 1, individuals releasing from NDCS who are prescribed medication, will receive a 30-day supply of the medication and a prescription for two refills that may be filled at a community pharmacy (refill cost paid by individual).This is an increase from the 14 days of medication currently being provided.

“When people are being discharged, they can’t always get immediate appointments with their providers,” said Dr. Harbans Deol, NDCS deputy director-health services. “This gives them the potential for 90 days of medication before they have to find a medical provider.”

Deol stressed that this adjustment applies only to medically-necessary prescriptions – not over the counter medications. He thinks it will reduce recidivism rates in the long run.

“There will be continuity of care and hopefully they won’t come back to us,” Deol said.

Reentry program administrator Grace Sankey-Berman agrees that this is a step in the right direction. Along with housing, employment, mental health and family support, physical health is a stabilizing factor for reentry.

“What we want is to support them as much as possible to make sure they are productive when they get out,” Sankey-Berman said. “Helping them take care of their health is one of the best supports we can provide.”

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