PIONEER IN CORRECTIONAL HEALTH
Dr. Taylor Fithian, WellPath Inc.
Since 1984, Dr. Taylor Fithian has been a leader in shaping patient-centered correctional healthcare, dedicating more than four decades to advancing correctional healthcare services. As co-founder of California Forensic Medical Group in 1983,
Dr. Fithian recognized early the urgent gaps in inmate healthcare and worked to establish systems that addressed chronic disease, crisis intervention, mental health evaluations, and emergency response. His emphasis on patient-centered care, early intervention, and continuity of services reshaped how jails approach healthcare.
Through his vision and leadership, county jails adopted more comprehensive, consistent standards of medical and psychiatric care. His influence has directly improved access, quality, and reliability of healthcare for incarcerated populations.
Dr. Fithians' colleagues talk with joy and love about his dedication to education and teaching, mentoring many of his staff members and colleagues along the way.
CONGRATULATIONS 🌟 Dr. Fithian! Thank you from WACHSa for all you have done in the past as a dedicated
CA-NV ACHSA member, and presenter over your many years of service.
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
FOR DEDICATED AND DISTINGUISHED SERVICE BY A CORRECTIONAL HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL
🌟 Dr. Jacqueline Abdalla, Sacramento County Adult Correctional Health 🌟
Dr. Jacqueline Abdalla made a profound impact on correctional health care in Sacramento County Jail through her vision, leadership, and commitment to patient-centered care. She has inspired a culture shift that prioritizes the needs of individuals, recruiting and mentoring providers who embody compassion, professionalism, and integrity.
In 2023, Dr. Abdalla was instrumental in launching a full Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) induction program and creating a utilization management system that cleared a backlog of specialty referrals. These initiatives improved access to life-saving treatment and specialty care while strengthening efficiency and patient outcomes--leaving a lasting legacy of excellence.
INNOVATIVE PROGRAM AWARD
FOR A FACILITY OR AGENCY THAT HAS ADVANCED HEALTH THROUGH THE DEVELOPMENT OF PROGRAMMING THAT HAS EVIDENCED IMPROVEMENT OF HEALTH OUTCOMES FOR COMMUNITIES
🌟🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
Movement4LIFE🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
led by Julius Thibodeaux-Hasan, Executive Director
Movement 4Life Team
Where lived experience meets leadership.
Movement 4 Life (M4L) is dedicated to breaking cycles of violence and changing lives. Unlike many organizations, M4L embraces the challenge of working with high-risk, justice-impacted individuals and their families--those often considered unreachable. Built on the belief that lasting change comes through trust, respect, and authentic connection, M4L works directly with those most impacted by gang involvement and retaliation, intervening to prevent violence before it escalates.
What sets M4L apart is its leadership and staff--individuals with lived experience who understand the realities of the streets, the pain of loss, and the power of second chances. Their Motivational Messengers form genuine bonds with youth, creating a foundation of trust that fosters healing, accountability, and hope. Every connection is a step toward reducing shootings, preventing retaliation, and inspiring young people to imagine a future beyond violence.
CORRECTIONAL PARTNER AWARD
FOR PARTNERSHIPS AND PROGRAMS THAT EVIDENCE IMPROVING LIVES, FOR CURRENTLY OR FORMERLY INCARCERATED PERSONS
🌟 Michelle Sotelo, Instructor & Program Lead, Prison Education Project 🌟
Michelle Sotelo is an extraordinary educator and leader who has dedicated her career to transforming the lives of individuals impacted by incarceration. As a volunteer educator inside correctional institutions, she teaches life skills, career readiness, and personal development courses that prepare individuals for successful reentry. Her commitment extends beyond the walls, walking alongside people post-release to help them overcome barriers, secure meaningful employment, and rebuild their lives.
Through the Reintegration Academy and her co-leadership of Igniting Futures, Michelle has built a unique model that identifies each participant's obstacles and provides tailored, holistic support. Her programs ensure individuals earn industry-recognized certifications, connect with mentors, and access community resources that open doors to long-term success. Rooted in her deep ties to the Sacramento community, Michelle's work is both personal and powerful--creating pathways of hope, opportunity, and empowerment.
CUSTODY & MEDICAL LIAISON
NOMINEES PROVIDE EVIDENCE OF CONSISTENT AND SUSTAINED RESPONSE MEASURES THROUGH ACTION OR POLICY, THEREBY PROVIDING LEADERSHIP FOR OTHER FACILITY STAFF, BUILDING TOWARDS IMPROVING THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING FOR BOTH THE INCARCERATED AS WELL AS THEIR PEERS AND CO-WORKERS. THIS AWARD GOES SPECIFICALLY FOR THOSE CUSTODY STAFF WHO ENHANCE THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF THEIR FACILITY THROUGH EXEMPLARY BEHAVIOR AND RESPONSIVENESS TO INMATE HEALTH NEEDS WITHOUT MEDICAL STAFF ONSITE
Bryan Phillips, Associate Director,
California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation
This award recognizes custody staff who exemplify exceptional leadership and responsiveness in addressing inmate health needs, particularly in the absence of onsite medical staff. Nominees demonstrate consistent and sustained measures through actions or policy that enhance the health, safety, and well-being of both the incarcerated population and their peers. Their exemplary behavior sets a standard for improving facility operations and fostering a culture of care and collaboration.
WASCHA recognized the degree of communication, commitment, patience, and dedication to creating cultural change in a system as large as CDCR and CCHCS. These systems are resistant to change, and indeed, the psychic shift for this program change to be successful is significant.
AD Phillips embodies these attributes and is deserving of this recognition hence without hesitation, he was nominated for his contribution to the Peer Support Specialists Program. See excerpts of the nomination language below:
His ability to negotiate buy-in from union representatives--highlighting how the program restores meaning and value in staff work--was key to the program's successful rollout. Bryan did not see obstacles as reasons to halt progress. Instead, he consistently collaborated with the Regional Associate Directors and local wardens to promote the program at all facilities and led the rapid implementation of 25 active sites out of 31 in less than two years.
When met with skepticism from frontline staff and leadership, concerned that the program might increase contraband risks or disrupt movement, Bryan became the program's most vocal advocate. He reframed the initiative as a culture-change opportunity that would enhance, not hinder, facility operations and morale. His efforts resulted in the full integration of peer support workers across all custody levels, creating new pathways for healing, leadership, and rehabilitation. As a result of his contribution, partnership and leadership, the program has trained almost 900 incarcerated individuals and about 340 are now certified as California Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialists. A skill set that supports the vision and mission of the department beyond incarceration