ACA Correctional ECHO Program - Through this project, the American Correctional Association (ACA) aims to enhance the quality of healthcare in confinement facilities across the U.S. Correctional healthcare, considered a component of the U.S. public health system by the CDC, has long been considered substandard when compared to care provided in the community. One important reason is the lack of ongoing educational opportunities and knowledge exchange accessible to correctional physicians and other healthcare providers. This project, entitled ACA Correctional ECHO Program, seeks to address these problems. For this project, The American Correctional Association will partner with state-of-the-art technology provider Project ECHO to offer “grand rounds” quality educational webinars in jails and prisons across the country. To facilitate this medical information exchange, ACA will recruit corrections healthcare providers into Communities of Practice and a cadre of subject matter experts with correctional experience and understanding that will form the nidus of educational exchange in these facilities. The initial year of ACA Correctional ECHO Program will focus on supporting the treatment of patients infected with the Hepatitis C virus, but in subsequent years, a wide variety of correctional health challenges will be addressed utilizing this model. With over 5.4 million individuals under correctional supervision in the United States, the project recognizes the need to improve healthcare delivery and continuity of care by public health upon reentry into the community. This project will leverage partnerships with organizations and groups such as the Coalition of Correctional Health Authorities (CCHA), Project ECHO, and local health departments to establish and nurture collaborative efforts to address health disparities in corrections. Through a series of educational sessions, case-based discussions, and peer-to-peer learning, correctional healthcare providers and public health professionals will enhance their understanding of each other's roles and work together to address health disparities. As the oldest and largest correctional association in the world, ACA serves as a global authority in correctional performance standards, advocating for safe, humane, and effective correctional operations. Representing professionals from various disciplines within corrections, ACA engages over 5,000 members, including individuals, agencies, and organizations dedicated to improving the justice system. ACA's mission and vision emphasize progressive leadership and collaboration to promote principles such as humanity, justice, protection, opportunity, knowledge, competence, and accountability. With over 30 full-time staff members and part-time consultants, ACA demonstrates a commitment to professional excellence and continuous improvement. The overall budget for this project is $199,979.42, which outlines key expenses for the proposed project, primarily focusing on personnel, fringe benefits, travel, and indirect costs. Costs include salaries of project staff totaling $131,661.95 for 12 months, fringe benefits of $19,001.52 travel costs, totaling $31,136.00, and indirect costs, representing general business expenses not directly tied to project activities, calculated at a 10% de minimis rate, totaling $18,179.95. In summary, ACA demonstrates organizational capacity to implement the grant effectively and efficiently if awarded. With its extensive experience, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to excellence in the field of corrections, ACA is uniquely positioned as a strong professional development and capacity building entity in the field of correction. Through its longstanding history, diverse membership base, and successful programs, ACA stands as a formidable association in shaping the future of corrections and promoting positive change within the justice system.
