BIRMINGHAM, Ala. & MIDDLESEX COUNTY, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In collaboration with leading correctional healthcare company, NaphCare, Inc., the Middlesex County Office of Adult Corrections and Youth Services was awarded the Pinnacle Award by the National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC). The NCCHC Pinnacle Award is the highest honor in correctional health care and underscores Middlesex County’s dedication to high-quality care in its facilities. This is the second-ever Pinnacle Award in the nation and recognizes the County’s achievement of NCCHC accreditation in three separate service areas - jail health services, mental health services and opioid treatment programs (OTP). NCCHC accreditation indicates adherence to the highest nationally recognized standards of care in each category.
Accreditation is granted after a rigorous survey by correctional health care experts who have been specially trained as surveyors to assess compliance with NCCHC’s nationally recognized standards on governance and administration; health promotion, safety, and disease prevention; personnel and training; ancillary health care services; patient care and treatment; special needs and services; and medical-legal issues.
“Achieving accreditation is a demanding process that takes time, commitment, and dedication from the administration, staff, and correctional health care team all working together,” said Amy Panagopoulos, MBA, BSN, NCCHC’s Vice President of Accreditation. “Achieving three accreditations is truly a remarkable accomplishment, proof of Middlesex County’s dedication to quality patient care. Your hard work and commitment is an inspiration to other correctional facilities around the country.”
“A fundamental part of managing a safe and secure jail is understanding the population in our care. Our experience shows that the vast majority of those in our care suffer from underlying mental health and substance use disorders,” said Middlesex County Warden Mark Cranston. “Achieving accreditation for medical care from NCCHC, the national leader in this space, along with accreditation in the treatment of mental health and substance use disorders is rare. In fact, we are only the second facility nationally to do so. This is a testament to all our staff, medical and custody, and our NaphCare team who have dedicated themselves to the hard work it takes to achieve such an honor.”
“Middlesex County continues to lead the way in corrections, protecting inmate health while continuing to uphold public safety,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios. “This award reflects the decades of service, professionalism, and integrity embodied by our Corrections employees. I congratulate Warden Cranston and his team for this well-deserved recognition.”
NaphCare partners with Middlesex County to provide proactive, patient-focused healthcare, including medical and mental health care, pharmacy, and telehealth services at Middlesex County Office of Adult Corrections and Youth Services facilities in North Brunswick, NJ. Since 2016, NaphCare has partnered with the County to ensure quality healthcare services that align with NCCHC standards. This includes developing and implementing improved opioid withdrawal protocols as well as a Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) program to better address patients’ underlying Opioid Use Disorders.
“NaphCare is proud to partner with Middlesex County in achieving this prestigious recognition in correctional health care,” said Brad McLane, Chief Executive Officer of NaphCare. “Earning three accreditations highlight their dedication to delivering quality care, and we look forward to furthering our impactful collaboration.”
About NaphCare, Inc.
NaphCare, Inc., partners with local, state and federal government agencies nationwide to provide innovative healthcare, technology and administrative solutions for complex problems within the correctional system. The company’s industry-leading approach to correctional healthcare includes designing and implementing evidence-based clinical programs to address the specific challenges of the corrections environment. Above all, NaphCare aims to make a positive impact in the communities they serve. NaphCare is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama. Additional information can be found on the company’s website: www.naphcare.com or www.techcareehr.com.
About Middlesex County Office of Adult Corrections and Youth Services
The Middlesex County Office of Adult Corrections and Youth Services, led by Warden Mark Cranston, is committed to providing top-tier public safety through the management of three essential facilities: the Adult Correction Center, the Juvenile Detention Center, and the Youth Shelter Program. Focused on integrity, professionalism, and preparedness, the Office ensures the safety of residents while offering high-quality care and individualized case management for inmates, adhering to stringent healthcare standards. The Juvenile Detention Center and Youth Shelter emphasize rehabilitative services for youth, fostering growth and potential. Globally recognized for its leadership in Direct Supervision Jail Management, the Adult Correction Center has been a model of excellence since its establishment in 1984.
Middlesex County, New Jersey, is continuously recruiting top talent to continue its longstanding legacy of excellence. For more information, visit middlesexcountynj.gov, search for "Adult Correction and Youth Services," and click "Career Opportunities."
About Middlesex County
Middlesex County is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies, three universities, 19 parks in the County park system, and world-class healthcare and research facilities making it one of the nation’s most dynamic regions and a leader in life science, transportation, the arts, and food innovation. As one of the most diverse populations in the country, Middlesex County is home to over 860,000 residents living throughout 25 municipalities. The County's award-winning Middlesex County Magnet Schools system and two-year Middlesex College uphold its position as #1 in the state for best schools, offering secondary and postsecondary education and workforce development programs that create a unique ecosystem where opportunities abound. Conveniently located between New York and Philadelphia, Middlesex County is a leading destination for businesses and residents alike to live, work, and play — and has been since the 17th century. For more information, visit middlesexcountynj.gov and find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
About the National Commission on Correctional Health Care
The mission of the National Commission on Correctional Health Care, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, is to improve the quality of health care in jails, prisons, and juvenile confinement facilities. NCCHC establishes standards for health services in correctional facilities, operates a voluntary accreditation program for institutions that meet those standards, produces, and disseminates resource publications, conducts educational conferences, and offers a certification program for correctional health professionals. NCCHC is supported by the major national organizations representing the fields of health, mental health, law, and corrections. Each of those organizations has named a liaison to the NCCHC board of representatives to create a robust, multidisciplinary governing structure that reflects the complexities of correctional health care.
