Alameda County Drops Prison Health Care Contractor Following Inmate Deaths
The Board of Supervisors votes to award the three-year, $135 million contract to California Forensic Medical Group instead. Corizon Health has been the county's medical provider for 28 years but has faced allegations of shoddy care.
Oakland Tribune:
Inmate Health Care Provider Dumped By Alameda County
Alameda County cut ties with its longtime health care provider for county jail inmates, the Board of Supervisors voted Friday. In a special meeting, the board voted 4-0, with Supervisor Keith Carson abstaining, to award a three-year, $135 million contract to California Forensic Medical Group, despite protests and a veiled threat of legal action from the company that has held the lucrative contract for decades. Former inmates, doctors and representatives spoke in favor of keeping Corizon Health, which has provided medical care for Alameda County jails for 28 years, and has been the subject of criticism for its handling of inmates. (DeBolt, 8/5)
San Francisco Chronicle:
After Deaths, Alameda County Replaces Jail Inmate Health Provider
Alameda County will sever ties with its longtime jail health care contractor after grappling with allegations that the company provided inadequate care that may have led to inmate deaths.The Alameda County Board of Supervisors on Friday voted 4-0 to award the three-year, $135 million contract to California Forensic Medical Group instead of Corizon Health Inc., following a vigorous debate among nurses, former inmates and representatives from the two companies — both of which are giants in prison health care. Supervisor Keith Carson abstained from the vote. (Swan, 8/5)