Armor Healthcare highlights innovative inmate medical services in Franklin County Ohio

The Lackawanna County Prison Board meeting held on February 21, 2025, featured a comprehensive presentation from Armor Correctional Health Services regarding their medical service provision for inmates. The meeting began with an introduction from the company’s representatives, including Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jimmy Fernandez and Chief Operating Officer Manny Fernandez, who outlined their extensive experience in the correctional healthcare sector.

Armor Correctional Health Services, founded in 2004, has evolved from serving retirement communities to providing healthcare in correctional facilities. The representatives highlighted their operations in Franklin County, Ohio, and Erie County, Pennsylvania, where they recently celebrated a successful first anniversary marked by a positive state audit.

A significant focus of the presentation was on the company’s approach to inmate healthcare, emphasizing the importance of aggressive intake assessments. The representatives explained that these assessments are crucial for determining the appropriate care plans for inmates based on their risk levels. They utilize evidence-based algorithms, such as the Charleston Comorbidity Index, to stratify risk and ensure that high-risk individuals receive timely and adequate medical attention.

The discussion also touched on the importance of data in improving healthcare outcomes. Armor representatives noted that actionable data helps in staffing, retention, and ultimately enhances the quality of care provided to inmates. They asserted that a happy staff leads to better patient care, which in turn results in a more effective administration.

The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of Armor’s commitment to providing high-quality healthcare services within correctional facilities, aiming to replicate the standards of care found outside prison walls. The board expressed interest in the ongoing developments and improvements in the healthcare services provided to inmates, setting the stage for future discussions on the topic.