Allegheny County has announced a new medical collaboration for jail medical services, following the announcement of a parting of ways with former provider Corizon.
The private health care provider had come under fire after the death of four inmates in custody and complaints about working conditions from employees. Allegheny County announced it would not renew the contract with Corizon when it expires in August.
Starting in September, Allegheny Health Network will be the provider of health care services at Allegheny County Jail.
“We are extremely fortunate in this region to have so many outstanding educational and medical institutions that were willing to lend their expertise and resources to the conversation about providing jail medical services,” said Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. “By partnering with Allegheny Health Network and its team, we will be able to provide the high-quality medical and mental health services that the inmates need moving forward.”
Details of the agreement with AHN are being finalized, according to an AHN spokesman, and Corizon will continue to work at the jail during the transition. A working group has been formed for the transition.
“Our goal is to work closely with the county and others to ensure a smooth and effective transition of medical services at the jail in the fall and to establish the blueprint for a sustainable, high-quality program over the long-term,” said Dr. Tony Farah, AHN’s chief medical officer.
In addition, Allegheny County has started talks with the United Steelworkers union, which represents 120 Corizon employees at the jail. Discussions center on the transition and the role of current employees under the new structure.
