2026 ACA Winter Conference Long Beach CA_Program Book

Innovations to Improve Conditions for Those Who Live and Work in Prisons Room 102 C TRACK: Operational Management Overview: The Brennan Center has conducted research that highlights significant prison reform innovations underway across red and blue states. Data was collected over multiple years through site visits at prisons, and with meetings with key stakeholders, including correctional leaders and staff, incarcerated people, and technical assistance providers responsible for reforms. In line with growing evidence, this work shows corrections reforms can improve prison conditions (e.g., reducing violence, enhancing the workforce) and post-release outcomes (e.g., reducing recidivism) that contribute to safer communities. The goal of this panel is to highlight how states can build from existing innovations, research and promising strategies to replicate successful programs and build political momentum for improving prisons and public safety. Speakers: LB Eisen , Senior Director, Justice Program, Brennan Center for Justice, New York, New York; Randall Liberty , Commissioner of Corrections for the State of Maine, Maine Department of Corrections, Augusta, Maine; Heidi Washington , Director of the Michigan Department of Corrections, Michigan Department of Corrections, East Lansing, Michigan Outcomes of a Diesel Mechanics and Welding Career Technical Education Program Room 102 B TRACK: Programming Overview: The purpose of this presentation is to provide our audience with an overview of two rigorous career-technical programs, Welding and Diesel Mechanics. These programs are a result of a partnership between the Georgia Department of Corrections, Core Civic, and two technical colleges in Georgia. Students are taught at equivalent standards to technical college students who are not incarcerated, provided with trade certificates upon completion and the opportunity to

continue their education post-release with the trade colleges. The evaluation, conducted by researchers at Georgia State University, found that students who completed the program had lower recidivism, faster time to employment and more days working. Speakers: Miranda L. Baumann , Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Georgia State University, Department of Criminal Justice & Criminology, Atlanta, Georgia; Travis Cason , Principal, Core Civic, Alamo, Georgia; Michelle Cotter , Director, Education Services, Core Civic, Brentwood, Tennessee Dental Emergencies in Corrections [CE|CME|CERP] Room 103 A Primary Community of Focus: Adult Corrections Overview: A U.S. Department of Justice report found that 50% of incarcerated individuals reported having dental problems during the time they were imprisoned. According to ACA, incarcerated individuals have a mandated right to receive dental care. Providing dental care involves determining emergency care and complications that can occur. This workshop will discuss dental emergencies that require immediate care to reduce poor outcomes. It requires a multidisciplinary approach to achieve this goal. Learning Objectives: • Learn the approach to dental emergencies and approach to treatment. • Options to treat dental emergencies with challenges that one faces. • Gain knowledge in the management of dental care including urgent cases. Moderator: David E. Donnelly , DDS, Dental Director, Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, Columbus, Ohio Speakers: Harbans S. Deol , M.D., Chief Medical Officer, VitalCore Health Strategies, Topeka, Kansas; Mahdokht A. Farahani , DDS, Statewide Dental Director Missouri, Centurion Health, Kansas City, Missouri

WORKSHOPS

Friday, Feb. 6 ▼ 3–4:30 p.m.

ACA 2026 Winter Conference | Long Beach, CA — 93