RIDOC Cranston: A Statewide Vaccination Program for Incarcerated Individuals

The Rhode Island Department of Corrections (RIDOC) has made significant strides in promoting public health among incarcerated individuals and staff working within its facilities. Between December 2020 and February 2021, RIDOC offered SARS-CoV-2 vaccination opportunities to all correctional staff and sentenced individuals at the Moran Medium Security Facility in Cranston, Rhode Island.

To facilitate this effort, two RIDOC public health educators were deployed to provide education on the vaccine, answer questions, and obtain consent before the vaccine clinic day. The goal of this statewide vaccination program was to describe the feasibility and acceptability of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine campaigns among incarcerated individuals.

The Moran Medium Security Facility offers a range of programs and services to its inmates, including educational initiatives, counseling, and vocational training. Offenders can receive alcohol and substance abuse treatment, sex offender treatment, sexual abuse counseling, domestic violence counseling, anger management counseling, and parenting courses, among others. Additionally, the facility provides computer classes, creative writing, and literacy courses for those who do not possess a diploma.

Inmates at Moran Medium Security Facility also have access to various vocational training programs, including carpentry and cabinetmaking, sheet metal/welding, automotive technology training, and barbering. The prison operates several industrial operations that employ inmates in a garment shop, upholstery shop, auto body shop, and license plate shop.

The RIDOC vaccination program is particularly noteworthy given the high risk of COVID-19 transmission within correctional facilities. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the largest outbreaks of COVID-19 in the United States have occurred in these settings. The feasibility and acceptability of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine campaigns among incarcerated individuals is an important area of study, as it can inform strategies for mitigating the spread of infectious diseases within correctional facilities.

In conclusion, RIDOC Cranston's statewide vaccination program demonstrates its commitment to promoting public health among incarcerated individuals and staff. By providing education, support, and resources, the facility has shown that it is possible to promote healthy behaviors and reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission within its walls.

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