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Catawba County adopts jail health policies and awards $2.4 million inmate health contract to Mediko
Summary
The Board approved an Annual Jail Medical Plan and Facility Health Plan (effective July 1, 2026) that specify intake screening, suicide-prevention and special-management policies, and awarded a one-year, $2,400,167 inmate health care contract to Mediko, PC following an RFP and evaluation committee recommendation.
The Policy and Public Works Subcommittee presented the county's Annual Jail Medical Plan and Facility Health Plan for board adoption. The plans, which staff said were developed with input from the local public health director and the sheriff, include Policy 8.4.0 ("Individuals Requiring Specialized Management") and Policy 8.9.0 (Facility Health Plan). The policies document procedures for intake screening, ADA compliance, housing and classification of transgender inmates, pregnancy and postpartum care, confidentiality for HIV/AIDS testing, medical and mental health holds, suicide watch protocols and emergency medical response.
Sheriff Donald G. Brown II and Public Health Director Jennifer McCracken reviewed and approved material in the plan prior to presentation, and staff said the plans reflect federal and state requirements including references to the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable North Carolina statutes. The plans are set with an effective date of July 1, 2026.
Board members also considered a recommendation to award a contract for comprehensive inmate health care services. County staff described the procurement: an RFP issued February 10, 2026; five respondents (Advanced Correctional Healthcare, Genesys Health Alliance, IMS Correctional Healthcare, Mediko, PC and Wellpath, LLC); evaluation committee interviews of the top three firms; and a committee determination that Mediko, PC "offered the best program at the lowest cost." The Board was asked to authorize a one-year contract for FY26/27 with Mediko, PC in the amount of $2,400,167, with an option for automatic renewal for successive one-year terms with a 3% annual increase.
The Evaluation Committee was identified as Major Kevin Kelly, Lieutenant Jacqueline Opper and Purchasing Manager Tina Wright; staff recommended award based on program alignment, staffing plan, cost, litigation history and references. The Board approved the recommendation and authorized execution of contract documents. The contract award and adoption of the jail medical and facility health plans were presented as part of the meeting's consent/agenda items and were unanimously approved.
County staff said the adopted policies and the selected contract are intended to ensure 24/7 clinical coverage, compliance with state detention health requirements, and continuity of care for inmates. The Board did not schedule further deliberation in this meeting; contract execution and administrative steps were delegated to staff.
