CONNECTIONS TO CARE

Supporting Re-Entry. Empowering Recovery. Rebuilding Lives.

The Connections to Care program at the Center for Comprehensive Health Practice (CCHP) is a vital initiative designed to bridge the gap between incarceration and community reintegration by providing formerly incarcerated individuals with immediate access to substance use treatment, mental health support, and essential social services. By leveraging the expertise of Recovery Peer Specialists, the program ensures that individuals receive the guidance, support, and resources they need to rebuild their lives and maintain stability.

Supporting Re-Entry Through Peer Engagement
Formerly incarcerated individuals often face significant barriers to care, including stigma, lack of trust in the healthcare system, and logistical challenges in accessing services. Our Recovery Peer Specialists—who have lived experience in recovery—play a crucial role in engaging and supporting re-entry individuals, helping them navigate available services and stay connected to care. Their work includes:

• ● On-Site Engagement & Support – Meeting individuals immediately upon release or through re-entry programs to establish trust and assess needs.
  ● Escorting & Accompaniment – Helping individuals attend medical, mental health, or substance use treatment appointments, reducing anxiety and increasing engagement.
  ● Peer Counseling & Advocacy – Offering one-on-one support, encouragement, and guidance to empower individuals in their recovery and reintegration process.
  ● Warm Hand-Offs to Services – Personally connecting individuals to healthcare providers, legal assistance, housing resources, and employment programs.

Navigation and Care Coordination for Holistic Support

In addition to peer support, our Patient Navigators provide structured screening, assessment, and care coordination to ensure that re-entry individuals are linked to the services they need. They:

• ● Conduct Needs Assessments – Identifying barriers such as housing instability, employment challenges, food insecurity, and legal issues to develop a personalized care plan.
  ● Facilitate Service Navigation – Using the Unite Us platform and Social Care Network to connect individuals with a comprehensive range of support services, including addiction treatment, mental health care, and primary medical care.
  ● Ensure Ongoing Follow-Up – Maintaining consistent contact with individuals to address challenges, monitor progress, and encourage long-term engagement in care.

Comprehensive Services for Successful Re-Entry
Through Connections to Care, formerly incarcerated individuals gain seamless access to essential health and social services, including:

• ● Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Treatment & Recovery Support
  ● HIV Prevention & Treatment (PrEP, PEP, and HIV care management)
  ● Mental Health Services & Psychiatry
  ● Primary & Preventive Healthcare
  ● Harm Reduction Services
  ● Social Support Services (housing assistance, employment support, legal aid, and more)

Why It Matters

By providing personalized support, hands-on navigation, and peer-led engagement, Connections to Care helps formerly incarcerated individuals successfully transition back into the community, reduce their risk of relapse or recidivism, and build a stable foundation for long-term well-being.

Join Us in Supporting Second Chances

Email us today at ctc@cchphealthcare.org to learn more about the Connections to Care program.