Lately I have been reflecting on what led me to become so engaged in correctional health care, a journey that began while I was pursuing my health law degree. It was during this time that I first became aware of the deeply troubling health disparities faced by individuals in the correctional system.
Many of the people coming into our jails and prisons are not only marginalized by society, they also suffer from a range of unmet health needs. These individuals come from some of the most underserved and neglected communities, and their health, already compromised, is often worsened by inadequate care – or, in some cases, no care at all.
It became clear to me that the justice system, tasked with the duty of upholding law and order, was failing to meet the basic human rights of those in its care. The absence of proper health care not only affects the well-being of these individuals but also poses a larger threat to public health overall. And this is why I remain so passionate about correctional health care – it’s not just about improving care within our facilities, it’s about understanding that the health of justice-involved individuals is a public health issue.
Over the years, there have been moments of progress, but they have not come easily. It has taken relentless advocacy, consent decrees issued by courts of law, decisions by the U.S. Supreme Court, and the tireless efforts of organizations like NCCHC to drive much-needed reforms. These victories have helped elevate quality of care, but the fact remains: we are not where we need to be.
Our work is about much more than just providing health care. It’s about recognizing the dignity of every human being, regardless of the circumstances that brought them into the justice system. It’s about addressing health inequities, mitigating the effects of social determinants of health, and ultimately creating a healthier, more just society.
I firmly believe that how we treat the most vulnerable among us is a direct reflection of our nation’s values.
Hubert H. Humphrey once said, “The moral test of government is how that government treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the elderly; and those who are in the shadows of life, the sick, the needy, and the handicapped.”
These words resonate deeply with me, and I believe they hold up a mirror to our collective responsibilities.
We must rise to the challenge of improving health care for those who are in the “shadows” – those whose voices are often silenced, those who lack access to basic resources, and those who are often forgotten by society. And that includes the incarcerated.
In my role as Board chair, I am committed to working alongside all of you to advocate for national standards, more comprehensive care, and a justice system that acknowledges the humanity of every individual it touches. Together, we have the power to bring about meaningful change – not just in the lives of those behind bars but in the health and well-being of our nation as a whole.
Thank you for your unwavering dedication to correctional health care.
Patricia Blair, PhD, JD, MSN, CCHP-RN, CCHP-A, is the 2025 chair of NCCHC’s Governance Board and board liaison of the American Bar Association.
