Corrections_Today_Summer_2024_Vol.86_No.2

“Our focus is on integrating care and that’s where all of you come in. Because not only do you provide care, but you provide care in a very comprehensive way.” He described how the ability to screen for various health concerns gives the opportunity to recognize and treat a variety of co-occurring disorders and how important it is to build trust among those under your care.

“... what I want to focus on is the idea that we treat people, not only with dignity and respect, but we want to give them hope.” — Dr. Neeraj Gandotra

lives within communities. And one of the key ele ments is instilling hope. “That’s what I really want to talk about ... hope. More importantly, how to instill that hope.” “So while I’m going to talk a bit about data resources, what I want to focus on is the idea that we treat people, not only with dignity and re spect, but we want to give them hope. That when they come to us for help, they are actually going to get some relief,” he said. Dr. Gandotra explained a bit about the sub stance use disorder sufferer and how it affects the way they view themselves and how they find it difficult to reach out and get the help they need. He noted “We are the lifeline. If someone scrapes together enough courage to open up for a moment, language is going to be very important to keep them connected. It’s important to not push people away by using words that stigmatize their condition.” He then gave a brief overview of what SAM HSA is. It is the behavioral health arm of the Health and Human Services Department. They administer nearly $7 billion in substance use dis order block grants and state opioid grants along with mental health grants. It funded the 988 lines for any behavioral health conditions. 988 lines are similar to 911, where you can call and someone 24 hours a day can not only speak to you but text and chat. Linking the efforts of SAMHSA to correction al facilities is a key element in their mission.

“It reflects to the patients, your clients know when you are putting forward effort. They know when you are sincere and they can also be an ally not only when it comes to behavioral health issues but also infectious disease work,” he explained. There is an understanding that this process is difficult, but SAMHSA has created resources to help. →

Summer 2024 | Corrections Today

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