Meeting the Health Needs of Postincarcerated Women: How Welcome Home Ministries Helps Bridge the Gap and Implications for Public Health Professionals

Abstract

The marginalized population of newly released women inmates displays higher incidences of viral infections, mental illnesses, and chronic diseases (Wilper et al.). Current research has indicated that these health needs are not met during or after incarceration (Wilper et al.). Among other barriers, this gross health disparity increases the difficulty of reentry into society after release from incarceration. Welcome Home Ministries, a nonprofit organization that responds to the needs of postincarcerated women, helps facilitate the reentry process. Three Point Loma Nazarene University nursing students interning with Welcome Home Ministries created health outcome objectives for the organization to objectively measure their clients’ successes. The health outcome objectives explore the major needs of postincarcerated women and how they can be met. The many health issues of the newly released women provide significant implications for public and community health nurses in caring for these individuals.