#USA #mental health #Erie #Armor Health #Erie County

Armor Health Expands Partnership with Erie County

In a significant stride toward improving health outcomes within the correctional system, Armor Health has announced an expansion of its services in collaboration with the Erie County Prison. This enhancement will focus on integrating mental health services along with drug and alcohol treatment programs—essential steps in addressing the comprehensive needs of incarcerated individuals.

Understanding the Initiative

Launched on September 3, 2025, this initiative combines the medical expertise of Armor Health with the leadership of the Erie County Prison, especially under the guidance of Warden Mike Holman. The primary objective is to provide an integrated healthcare approach that will commence immediately upon an individual’s booking into the facility. Inmates will now have access to mental health screenings and treatments for substance use disorders right from day one.

Armor Health initially began providing standard medical services to the Erie County Prison in December 2023. The success of that program instilled confidence in the county's decision-makers to further extend their partnership. According to Otto Campo, CEO of Armor Health, "We commend the Erie County Prison leadership for recognizing Armor's excellent performance providing quality medical care and adding these services to our partnership." This expansion not only signifies trust but also a recognition of the pressing healthcare requirements within correctional facilities.

Targeted Treatments and Strategies

Under the new setup, medical personnel will conduct thorough intake screenings for substance abuse and opioid use disorders (OUD) at the time of booking. Identifying these disorders early ensures that treatment begins without unnecessary delays. Dr. Jimmy Fernandez, Chief Medical Officer at Armor, emphasized the importance of continuity of care. If an inmate is already receiving treatment in the community's Opioid Treatment Program (OTP), that care will continue seamlessly throughout their incarceration.

Armor’s approach utilizes a medically supported recovery model that incorporates FDA-approved medications for OUD in conjunction with behavioral therapies and personalized counseling. This dual focus aims to not only provide immediate relief but also support long-term recovery and reintegration into society. Dr. Fernandez further outlined that the program seeks to facilitate successful reentry and reduce recidivism through coordinated “warm handoffs” back to community healthcare teams upon release.

Importance of Community Collaboration

The partnership underscores the vital role that collaboration between correctional facilities and community healthcare providers plays in successfully addressing the needs of incarcerated populations. By effectively managing both clinical and social factors influencing relapses and reoffending, the program aims to create a holistic approach to rehabilitation.

This is particularly crucial given the increasing national focus on mental health and substance abuse issues within prisons. The integration of these services stands to revolutionize how correctional healthcare is approached, potentially serving as a model for similar facilities across the country.

About Armor Health

With more than two decades of experience, Armor Health has established itself as a premier provider of correctional healthcare services throughout the United States. Their commitment to delivering evidence-based medical and behavioral health services is driving a transformation in the healthcare landscape for incarcerated individuals. The adoption of modern AI tools, powered by their collaboration with Antidote-AI, enhances their capability to focus on crucial interventions, ensuring every patient receives the right care at the appropriate time and location.