UMDNJ-UBHC Provides Physical and Mental Healthcare for State Inmates

January 2009

Effective October 1, 2008, the interagency agreement with the New Jersey Department of Corrections and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey was broadened to include a physical healthcare component. UBHC-University Correctional HealthCare (UCHC) is now also responsible for the provision of comprehensive medical services to inmates within the 14 state prisons. The expanded agreement, in excess of $100 million with oversight of more than 800 faculty and staff members, is daunting, but Jeffery Dickert, PhD, vice president, UCHC, along with his management and support teams, are geared up and ready for the challenge. The original agreement, which was signed four years ago to manage all aspects of mental healthcare for the state inmates, readied the UCHC Team for this monumental undertaking.

The behavioral health program consists of approximately 400 staff providing for the mental health needs of adult and juvenile offenders within state correctional facilities.

On the physical health side, physicians, advanced practice nurses, physician assistants, nurses, and medical technicians are responsible for inmates’ physical healthcare (this includes primary, specialty and dental services).

For more information contact UCHC’s Administrative Office at 609-341-3093.