Lotus Glen officers and prisoners break for health check

Corrective Services Minister Judy Spence said about 450 officers and prisoners from Lotus Glen Correctional Centre (LGCC) last week took time to assess their vital statistics when about 20 health service providers and community organisations set up a healthy life expo at the centre.

Ms Spence said: “The expo focused on Indigenous health issues and included information stalls for diabetes, mental health issues, cancer, sexual health, hepatitis C and drug and alcohol abuse.

“It complimented rehabilitation programs run at the centre.

“Many prisoners come to jail with drug and alcohol-related problems.

“This event reinforced our existing education packages which teach prisoners about healthy lifestyle choices and the dangerous effects of smoking, and drug and alcohol abuse.

“The expo was part of our throughcare strategy which reduces re-offending by giving prisoners integrated support as they work to turn their lives around,” Ms Spence said.

LGCC Assistant General Manager Phil Mannion said: “It gave us a chance to introduce prisoners to services that will be available to them in the community after release.

“Access to such services after release is vital in preventing re-offending.”

“Research shows that the recidivism rate is lowered and prisoners stay on track if they have strong support networks in the community.”

“Correctional staff were assessed for blood pressure, cholesterol, body mass index, height and weight and issued with a “roadworthy” certificate by the Mareeba Hospital’s Community Health “Pit Stop”.

A psychologist from Cairns Base Hospital was also on hand to teach relaxation techniques for staff,” Mr Mannion said.

Lotus Glen Correctional Centre Health Services Coordinator Chris Rowan coordinated the event.

It is planned to make the health expo an annual event.

Ends

Minister’s Office: 32396218

Corrective Services Contact: Carly Wood 3239 3945

Photos available: Contact Carly at the number above or email request to carly.wood@correctiveservices.qld.gov.au

Photo captions:

Lotus Glen Correctional Centre administration officers, from left, Dave Phillips, Cherie King and Monique Dargent speak with Wulngah Program drug and alcohol counsellor Suin Ni Chrochvuir from Mamu Health based in Innisfail.

Custodial Correctional Officer Andrew Child has his blood pressure checked by Nurse Educator Wendy Cannon from Tablelands District Health.