Successful Transitions – Multiple New Contracts with July 1, 2009 Start Dates
CONMED was awarded multiple new contracts, including the provision of mental health services through CMHS, each with a services start date of July 1, 2009.  Preparation for the start of services at any new facility involves detailed planning and careful execution, and the start of three (3) new contracts simultaneously required that the CONMED and CMHS Transition Teams coordinate the activities of all available resources to ensure that each of the new Facilities had uninterrupted services for the care of their inmates. 

The contracts with the Coos County Jail in Coquille, Oregon, the Creek County Detention Center in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, and with the Washington County Detention Center in Hagerstown, Maryland, all included the provision of mental health services.  Upon award of each of these contracts, a comprehensive recruitment program which included networking with area hospitals, contacting professional societies, and advertising in local print media and on dedicated Internet sites was implemented.  The CMHS Transition Team recruited and interviewed new applicants, completed background investigations, and conducted orientation and training of new staff.  At all three sites, CMHS worked closely and collaboratively with the jail administration and staff to ensure a smooth, seamless and successful transition for the provision of quality correctional mental health services on an uninterrupted basis.

Successful Transition – Kitsap County, Washington
CONMED, through CMHS, was awarded a contract to provide all mental health services for the inmates at the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office Jail, starting August 1, 2009.  CMHS began investigating employment interest by qualified professionals before the contract was awarded by utilizing its ongoing, comprehensive recruitment program.  Once awarded the contract, members of the CMHS’ Transition Team were on-site prior to the start date, recruiting and interviewing existing staff and new applicants, completing background investigations, conducting orientation and training of new staff, reviewing all standards and compliance, and reviewing all existing high priority mental health cases within the inmate population.

Employees were hired to fill full-time, part-time, and PRN positions to include a Psychiatrist and Mental Health Professionals. CMHS worked closely and collaboratively with the jail administration and staff to ensure a smooth, seamless and successful transition for the provision of quality correctional mental health services on an uninterrupted basis at the Kitsap County Jail.