Awareness is the first step toward change—and in correctional health care, it has the power to shape the future of our workforce, our patients, and the system as a whole. As February brings several important national observances, it offers a meaningful moment to pause and reflect on the impact of our work behind the walls.
Awareness of Correctional Health Care as a Field
Many professionals enter health care without realizing that correctional settings offer unique opportunities to serve some of the most medically underserved patients in the country. By raising awareness of correctional health care as a fulfilling, mission-driven career path, we help strengthen a workforce that is essential to patient care, system equity, and community health. The more people who understand what this field truly is—a place of purpose, innovation, and impact—the stronger tomorrow’s workforce becomes.
Awareness of World Cancer Day (February 4)
World Cancer Day reminded us that cancer disparities remain significant, and individuals in custody often face delayed diagnoses, limited screening access, and complex health histories. Raising awareness of cancer prevention and early detection matters—because equitable care must include access to lifesaving screenings behind the walls. When our workforce is equipped with knowledge and vigilance, we play a crucial role in improving outcomes for justice-involved patients.
Awareness of National Donor Day (February 14)
National Donor Day highlights the life-changing power of organ, eye, tissue, marrow, blood, and platelet donation. For many incarcerated individuals, chronic conditions such as kidney disease, liver disease, and heart disease make organ donation education and awareness especially relevant. Recognizing this day helps us continue the conversation around health literacy, informed decision-making, and patient empowerment.
Awareness of the Foundation’s Spring Conference Fundraiser (April 20)
Awareness also means recognizing opportunities to come together as a community and invest in the future of our field. On Monday, April 20 from 6-9 PM, the Foundation will host Big Easy Jazz Night at Rosy’s Jazz Hall in New Orleans—an evening designed to celebrate connection, purpose, and impact. Guests will enjoy three lively hours of high-energy jazz, cocktails and passed appetizers, a chef-curated dinner buffet, dancing, and signature New Orleans desserts including a Beignet Tower and French macarons. At $75 per ticket, every dollar raised supports the Foundation’s mission to provide scholarships and strengthen the correctional health care workforce.
Across all these observances, one theme is clear: Awareness is a catalyst. It guides our practice, strengthens our workforce, and deepens our commitment to delivering compassionate, evidence-based care where it is needed most.
When we broaden what we see, we elevate what we do. Awareness truly shapes tomorrow, today.
