Inmate Medical Services
The Department of Corrections provides comprehensive medical, dental and psychiatric services for all inmates. These services and resources include:
- Health screening and physical upon admission.
- A contractual medical staff of over 50 full time qualified health care professionals.
- A medical observation unit to keep a close watch on anyone with serious medical conditions.
- Chronic Care clinics operated by our physician and physician assistants for inmates with chronic conditions such as diabetes, aids, asthma, etc.
- A team of psychiatrists and other mental health staff to address the mental health needs of the inmates.
- In house specialty clinics including: dentistry, oral surgery, optometry, x-ray services, and OB/GYN care.
- If hospitalization or outpatient care is needed, inmates are sent to area hospitals or to specialized outpatient treatment facilities.
- Sick Call is provided six days per week. Sick call boxes are located on every housing unit. Inmates may submit Sick Call slips when needed. They are picked up daily and medical staff will see the inmate within 24 hours. There is a $4 charge for sick call for all inmates who have money in their accounts. However, nobody is ever denied medical care because they are unable to pay.
- Inmates who need immediate medical care are escorted to the Medical Department by the Housing Officer, or if warranted, medical staff will report to the unit where the inmate is housed.
Medications
At intake screening, it is very important that the inmate carefully report all medications that he/she is taking. The medical staff will try to obtain a list of medications from an inmate’s previous medical provider. A relative can help ensure continuation of medications when possible by having the inmate’s medical provider fax the medical information to the Medical Records Department. Their fax number is 410-823-0453.
Medications that an inmate brings to the Detention Center are not used. There is a full pharmacy service for the provision of all medications needed, and the department’s medical contractor will provide all medications to the inmate.
Medications are provided daily at various times as prescribed.
For more information, please contact the department’s Medical Liaison James B. Anzalone at 410-512-3310.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. My son called and complained of needing immediate medical care. What should he do?
A. He should inform the Housing Unit Officer immediately. Inmates who need immediate medical care are escorted to the Medical Department by the Housing Officer, or if warranted, medical staff will report to the unit where the inmate is housed.
Q. Why can’t my son use his own medications that he brought with him to the Detention Center? Won’t this interfere with his prior treatment?
A. Medications that an inmate brings to the Detention Center are not used. There is a full pharmacy service for the provision of all medications needed, and the department’s medical contractor will provide all medications to the inmate. Medical staff will try to obtain a list of medications from their previous medical provider. A relative can help ensure continuation of medications when possible by having the inmate’s medical provider fax the medical information to the Medical Records Department. Their fax number is 410-823-0453.
Q. Who can I contact to discuss medical issues?
A. James B. Anzalone is the Medical Liaison for BCDC. You can contact him at 410-512-3310.
Revised March 20, 2009
