About WACHSA | WACHSA

IT ALL BEGAN WITH...

AMERICAN CORRECTIONAL HEALTH SERVICES ASSOCIATION (ACHSA)

The American Correctional Health Services Association, (ACHSA pronounced ash-A) was founded as a national organization in the early 80's. (*year founded needs verification... if you have knowledge about ACHSA history, please email WACHSA Support for archival purposes.)

ACHSA provided support, skill development, and education programs for healthcare personnel, organizations and decision-makers involved in correctional healthcare. This national organization worked toward providing education about inmate healthcare and updating knowledge for providers. Attempting to break down the silos present yet today in carceral settings. These efforts and conferences helped to improve care and practices, with increased professionalism, and a sense of community for correctional healthcare personnel, thereby promoting positive changes in health for detained and incarcerated individuals.
ACHSA sadly formally dissolved on December 31, 2019.

ACHSA PROGRAMS
SOURCE: SELF-REPORTED BY THE ACHSA ORGANIZATION

ACHSA recognized excellence in correctional health care delivery through its annual recognition and award program, the "Distinguished Service Award", based on significant contributions to correctional health care such as developing an education program for staff or inmates, publishing a book or articles on correctional health, conducting research related to correctional health, and/or helping to improve the public image of correctional health care.

Convened national/regional multidisciplinary professional development conferences, which provided continuing education on the latest developments in correctional health care along with opportunities to network with colleagues.

Assisted in programming on health care issues for other national health organizations upon request. Was an affiliate of the American Jail Association (AJA).
ACHSA also had a representative on the Board of Directors of the National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) and assisted six local chapters that conducted local educational conferences providing opportunities for networking and continuing education credits. (*Needs verification: Washington State, Oregon, Georgia, Southeast, Ohio and California-Nevada)

CALIFORNIA AND NEVADA CHAPTER OF ACHSA

SOURCE: REBECCA CRAIG RN, CMA

The California Chapter was established by Barbara Cotton, RN and co founder Bonnie Norman, RN Chief of Medical Services for the Los Angeles Sheriff's Office in 1982/1983. With the support of the California Medical Association and by extension American Medical Association funding. Bonnie and Barbara were National ACHSA Board members, and they organized California as a State Chapter ACHSA affiliation with the American Correctional Association (ACA).
The California Chapter maintained an ongoing relationship National as there was always a California member on the National Board of Directors. That representative always ensured they were scheduled to give a report at the ACHSA California Annual meeting.

Additional leaders of the early CA-NV Chapter:

Nan Dame, San Francisco County Jail
Pam (*last name unknown) San Francisco County Jail
John Clark, MD, MPH (LASD)
Ernie Williams, MD, MPH (Orange County Chief Medical Officer)
Kim Thorburn, MD, MPH, Spokane, WA Health Officer, Former CMO at Chino.