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Some Hailing Corizon's Decision To End Private Prison Health Care Contract With Florida

corizonhealth.com

Some are hailing a decision by the main private provider charged with the health care of Florida’s inmates to terminate its contract with the state.

In October 2013, Prison health services in Florida were fully privatized—mostly using Corizon Health.

In recent months, the private prison company has been under scrutiny for its handling of inmate health care services. And, Prison Chief Julie Jones earlier this year decided to rebid the prison health contracts.

Sen. Audrey Gibson (D-Jacksonville) is the vice chair of the Senate Criminal Justice Committee, which has been looking into these issues.

“We can’t treat people like animals,” said Gibson. “They are still human beings, and Corizon has not lived up to the expectations that I certainly would have for a provider. So, bye bye!”

A bill died last session to ensure inmates were given proper medical care. Gibson’s committee is already looking into a proposal that includes a provision making it a third degree felony to intentionally harm an inmate, which includes withholding medical treatment.

For more news updates, follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter: @SaschaCordner.

Sascha Cordner has more than ten years of public radio experience. It includes working at NPR member station WUFT-FM in Gainesville for several years. She's worked in both radio and TV, serving in various capacities as a reporter, producer and anchor. She's also a graduate of the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in telecommunications. She is the recipient of 15 awards from the Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and Edward R. Murrow. Her award-winning stories include her coverage on the infamous “Dozier School for Boys” and a feature titled "Male Breast Cancer: Lost in the Sea of Pink." Currently, Sascha serves as the host and producer of local and state news content for the afternoon news program "All Things Considered" at WFSU. Sascha primarily covers criminal justice and social services issues. When she's not reporting, Sascha likes catching up on her favorite TV shows, singing and reading. Follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter:@SaschaCordner.