#USA #Baltimore #Postpartum Care #Armor Health #Correctional Health

Armor Health Presents Seminar on Comprehensive Postpartum Care for Incarcerated Women

Armor Health, a prominent name in correctional healthcare, recently showcased its commitment to improving women's health within the prison system at the National Conference on Correctional Health Care 2025. This major event, held in Baltimore from November 3 to 5, attracted over 1,600 professionals, highlighting the importance of ongoing education and innovation in this critical field.

The seminar, facilitated by Armor's experts Atrews Bell and Jared Washington, aimed to equip attendees with effective strategies that align with the National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) standards. With the focus on comprehensive postpartum care for incarcerated women, participants delved into practices that can substantially enhance the quality of healthcare services offered to this vulnerable population. Armor Health CEO, Otto Campo, expressed the organization's dedication to addressing the specific health needs of incarcerated women, particularly in relation to postpartum depression, which affects a staggering 30-38% of new mothers in jails, compared to just 10-20% among the general public.

The Focus of the Seminar

The seminar centered around several key issues facing incarcerated mothers, especially regarding postpartum mental health. Recognizing that many women experience significant risk factors while incarcerated, such as separation from their newborns, historical trauma, and insufficient environmental support, the discussion shifted towards the essential care required during the fourth trimester.

The fourth trimester is considered critical for recovery and bonding between mother and baby. Unfortunately, the unique challenges faced by incarcerated women often lead to a neglect of this vital period. The seminar addressed how untreated postpartum depression can lead to severe consequences, including self-harm, behavioral issues, and difficulties in reintegrating into society post-release.

Addressing Gaps in Care

One of the primary focuses of the seminar was identifying the gaps within traditional correctional health systems. Participants learned about the limited postpartum visits, lack of lactation support, and insufficient provision for trauma-informed care that hinder effective health service delivery.

To tackle these issues, the seminar presented best practices and innovative care models. For instance, the implementation of Doula programs and the establishment of nursery facilities within jails could provide much-needed support during and after pregnancy. By fostering partnerships with community organizations, correctional facilities can enhance access to vital resources such as lactation clinics and mental health therapy.

Campo emphasized the necessity of continuity of care following release, advocating for structured post-release programs that include Medicaid extensions, therapy, case management, and reunification plans for mothers and their children. These strategies aim to ensure that women have the necessary support not only during incarceration but also as they reintegrate into society and care for their newborns.

Commitment to Change

Armor Health is determined to apply these evidence-based protocols across its network of facilities, thereby revolutionizing how correctional healthcare addresses the unique needs of women. With more than 21 years of experience in providing quality care in local correctional facilities nationwide, Armor is committed to transforming healthcare landscapes by leveraging advanced analytics and modern AI solutions.

As the seminar concluded, participants left with a renewed commitment to enhance women's health services in correctional settings. By recognizing and addressing these critical health care needs, Armor Health continues to lead the way in ensuring better health outcomes for women in the correctional system, fostering a healthier society overall.