Item:
Title
An Overview of Medical Services and Detainee Health in the Durham County Detention Facility (60min)
Body
Date of BOCC Meeting: April 6, 2026
Request for Board Action:
Agenda Text
The Board is requested to receive a presentation from the Durham County Sheriff’s Office and medical stakeholders at the detention facility to help guide future budgetary and programmatic decisions.
In recent years, correctional medical costs have risen nationwide. Detention facility staff will inform the Board of Commissioners, County Management and the public of data and trends related to diagnosed medical conditions, pharmaceutical costs, outpatient care, emergency care and other data sets to give a comprehensive overview of detainee health and the services provided. The Chief Medical Officer and the Chief Pharmaceutical Officer of the detention facility’s medical provider will assist in the presentation.
Alignment with Strategic Plan: This item aligns with Durham County’s Strategic Plan: Healthy and Inclusive Community and Safe and Resilient Community.
Resource Persons: Clarence Birkhead, Durham County Sheriff; Justin Ellerbe, Chief of Detention Services, Durham County Sheriff’s Office; Dheeraj Taranath, Chief Medical Officer, Wellpath; Dr. Deleca Reynolds-Barnes, Chief Pharmaceutical Officer, Wellpath; Emily Wilson, Regional Vice President South-Central U.S., Wellpath; Dr. Rodney Jenkins, Director of Public Health, Durham County; Roshanna S. Humphrey, Director of Justice Services, Durham County
County Manager’s Recommendation: The County Manager recommends that the Board receive a presentation from the Durham County Sheriff’s Office and medical stakeholders at the detention facility to help guide future budgetary and programmatic decisions.
Signature
County Manager: ____________________________