National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC)

09/10/2026

September is National Su***de Prevention Month, an important opportunity to focus attention on one of the most serious and persistent challenges facing jails: preventing deaths by su***de. People entering jails often arrive during periods of intense crisis. They may be experiencing mental illness, substance use or withdrawal, recent loss, fear, uncertainty, or disruption of family and community connections. The first days of incarceration can be particularly high risk, but su***de risk can emerge or change at any point during a person’s time in custody. Link in comments.

09/02/2026

50 years of meeting together, learning together, and thriving together. Join us for the NCCHC 50th National Conference. Early bird rates expire September 25. Link in first comment.

08/25/2026

🌟 Share your knowledge and insights at the 2027 Spring Conference! 🌼 Connect with fellow professionals and make an impact in our field. Don't miss your chance to be part of this incredible event! Deadline September 18. Link in first comment.

Deadline: September 18. Share your expertise!

08/20/2026

Hot topics, critical issues - join us for the NCCHC National Conference!
Three full days of high-quality expert-selected educational programming for medical, nursing, administrative, mental health, custody, and other correctional health professionals. Get up to 32 hours of CE. Register by September 25 & save up to $150. Link in comments.

07/30/2026

The work of the criminal-legal system is demanding, and over time, chronic stress can begin to feel like the norm.

In a new article. Yoga, Ayurveda, and Reiki practitioner Katie Webser explores how small, intentional practices can help support nervous system regulation and promote greater balance—without requiring a vacation or a major life change.

Whether you work in corrections, law enforcement, the courts, health care, or advocacy, caring for yourself is an important part of sustaining the work of serving others.

Read the full article here: https://ncchc.org/small-practices-big-impact-three-easy-exercises-to-support-staff-wellbeing/

What small practices help you recharge after a challenging day?

07/20/2026

The conversations, connections, and learning are wrapping up at the Correctional Mental Health Care Conference.

It's inspiring to see correctional health professionals from across the country coming together to share ideas, learn from one another, and strengthen mental health care.

Here are a few of the faces helping make this year's conference so meaningful. We're glad you're here!

07/19/2026

Meet 2026 Correctional Mental Health Care Conference Scholar Karen Allery, LPN.

A staff nurse at Dawson County Correctional Facility, Karen brings 26 years of diverse nursing experience to correctional health care. She is passionate about mental health, crisis response, trauma-informed care, and improving communication during difficult situations.

Karen believes some of the most meaningful moments in correctional health care happen through everyday interactions—from medication pass conversations to crisis intervention—and that treating every patient with dignity and compassion can make a lasting difference. She also values teamwork, resilience, and the role appropriate humor can play in building trust and supporting staff well-being.

We're proud to welcome Karen as a 2026 scholar and look forward to the perspective she'll bring to the Correctional Mental Health Care Conference.

Learn more about this year's scholars: https://ncchc.org/meet-the-2026-mental-health-care-conference-scholars/

07/18/2026

Meet 2026 Correctional Mental Health Care Conference Scholar María Aguilar-Amaya, DM, MAOM, BS.

A researcher, educator, evaluator, and addiction psychology graduate student at Arizona State University, María brings more than 25 years of experience across probation, victim services, behavioral health research, and justice-related systems.

Her work is rooted in a simple but powerful goal: bridging the gap between research and practice so justice-involved individuals receive compassionate, evidence-based behavioral health care. She is especially passionate about expanding culturally responsive treatment and improving access to care for underserved and Spanish-speaking populations.

Growing up in public housing, María witnessed the effects of addiction, trauma, and systemic inequities firsthand. Those experiences continue to shape her commitment to advancing correctional mental health through research, clinical practice, mentorship, and advocacy.

"Healing is the ability to touch the inner depths of your soul through the journey of confronting the pain and darkness within and turning it into the brightest illumination of self-love."

We're proud to welcome María as a 2026 scholar and look forward to the insight she'll bring to the Correctional Mental Health Care Conference.

Learn more about this year's scholars: https://ncchc.org/meet-the-2026-mental-health-care-conference-scholars/

07/17/2026

Meet 2026 Correctional Mental Health Care Conference Scholar Rachael Parmelee, LGSW (Provisional)!

Rachael is a mental health practitioner with Ramsey County Social Services whose path to correctional mental health began in education. After working as a teacher and briefly as a 911 dispatcher, she saw firsthand how often the criminal justice system struggled to respond to mental health needs—and knew she wanted to be part of the solution.

Drawing on her background in education and social work, Rachael develops practical, accessible approaches that help people engage with mental health services. At the Ramsey County Juvenile Detention Center, she helped transform mental health engagement by creating welcoming spaces and offering flexible, hands-on tools that met youth where they were.

Today, she continues that work with adults in detention, focusing on interventions people can take back to their housing units and use in everyday moments.

We're proud to welcome Rachael as a 2026 scholar and look forward to the perspective she'll bring to the Correctional Mental Health Care Conference.

Learn more about this year's scholars: https://ncchc.org/meet-the-2026-mental-health-care-conference-scholars/