Community Health Net (CHN), the leading Federally Qualified Health Center serving the Lake Erie region, has announced a pioneering telemedicine initiative aimed at supporting individuals transitioning from prison life back into society. Developed in partnership with Back On Track – Erie (formerly Community Transition Center), this program is the first of its kind in Pennsylvania and possibly the nation.
Each year, approximately 17,897 individuals are released from Pennsylvania prisons. CHN’s initiative seeks to bridge critical gaps in healthcare during this vulnerable transition period. Unlike traditional telehealth models, the program includes an on-site nurse’s aide to handle patient intake and collect vital signs, while CHN’s providers deliver care virtually ensuring a comprehensive and accessible approach.
“Our targeted telemedicine initiative is a testament to our mission to improve the quality of life in our region by providing professional healthcare services with compassion, respect, and dignity to all,” said Craig Ulmer, CEO of Community Health Net. “By partnering with Back On Track – Erie, we are breaking new ground, focusing on the unique challenges faced by individuals reintegrating into society.”
While healthcare is mandated for incarcerated individuals, parolees often face barriers to care, including cost. This program ensures access to medical services regardless of ability to pay, helping reduce recidivism and improve community health outcomes.
Back On Track – Erie served 615 individuals in 2024, according to Program Director Renee M. Kirby, who emphasized that the partnership will “enhance access to healthcare, reduce recidivism rates, and facilitate smoother integration.”
Data collected through this HIPAA-compliant initiative will be shared with the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services to inform statewide strategies for reentry healthcare.
For more information about Community Health Net’s services, visit www.communityhealthnet.org.
Community Health Net is a Federally Qualified Health Center with seven locations and nearly four decades of service to the Erie region. CHN provides medical, dental, and behavioral health care regardless of a patient’s ability to pay, with a mission to improve quality of life through compassionate, respectful, and dignified care.