During the COVID-19 lockdown, telehealth solutions became crucial for populations worldwide, including those in prisons. Traditionally, inmates with health issues had to be escorted by guards to external medical facilities, which was not possible during the pandemic. To address this issue, the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections (DAC) implemented a telehealth service in 54 prisons, partnering with Cisco and Presidio to deliver the program.
Cisco’s Webex platform, known for its video conferencing capabilities, played a central role in facilitating telemedicine appointments, video visits, and court appearances for inmates. Prior to the implementation of this telehealth solution, North Carolina spent a significant amount of money on healthcare visits for inmates due to the need for support staff to ensure safety and security. The Webex-based telehealth service has saved the state a total of $20 million so far.
Meghan Steele, vice president of public sector at Cisco, highlighted the importance of Presidio in assisting with the installation of technology in correctional facilities. Despite challenges such as concrete structures and security concerns, Presidio played a crucial role in overcoming these obstacles. In addition to telehealth services, Cisco’s collaboration with DAC also included educational initiatives through Hope University, aimed at providing inmates with educational opportunities and job skills to help them successfully reintegrate into society.
Readers are encouraged to explore the full report for more details on this successful telehealth initiative in North Carolina’s correctional facilities. To keep up to date with the latest in technology and artificial intelligence, check out Technology Magazine and consider registering for the global conference series, Technology and Artificial Intelligence LIVE 2024, organized by BizClik.
Article Source
https://technologymagazine.com/videos/cisco-presidio-behind-telehealth-to-north-carolina-prisons