Distinguished Service Award

In 1990 ACHSA established a recognition and award program to recognize excellence in correctional health care delivery. Two awards may be presented, one to recognize outstanding contribution to the field and the Association; the other for a significant published article, research, or book contributing to the field of correctional health care delivery. No seated member of the board will qualify for this award.

Criteria

  Significant contributions to correctional health care will be the basis for evaluation:

     Developing an education program for staff or inmates

     Publishing a book or articles on correctional health

     Conducting research related to correctional health

  Requires a nomination by a colleague with a letter (minimum 100 words) describing the individual’s list of accomplishments and reasons for deserving the award

In remarks before the announcement Ms. Wild noted that frequently ACHSA’s DSA recipient excels in one, two or sometimes three of the five criteria. This year our award winner has displayed excellence in all five areas.

Dr. Moore developed a model program with her husband launching a whole new concept of comprehensive contract health services in a jail. Almost 20 years later she reorganized the healthcare delivery system for Cook County juveniles, instilling a sense of teamwork and commitment in a system badly needing reform.

In the area of “research,” Dr. Moore conducted applied research by developing a company providing comprehensive contract health services in jails and prisons, very successfully. She has also been involved in academic research, including a doctoral dissertation exploring factors affecting the nursing shortage in correctional healthcare.

In the area of “publications” Dr. Moore has authored and edited books on correctional healthcare, including a book containing sample forms that is very useful for correctional healthcare managers throughout the nation. She has published over a dozen periodical articles or books.

In the area of “training” Dr. Moore has developed a surveyor course for new accreditation surveyors for the National Commission as well as revising the surveyor training manual. She also has held academic positions of adjunct assistant professor of nursing at Duke University and Widener University School of nursing.

And finally, in the area of “public relations and management,” Dr. Moore has been a leader in developing acceptance of correctional healthcare as a recognized profession, including testifying to legislatures. She is also recognized by her competition as a formidable manager of correctional healthcare systems/companies. Through her management expertise she has managed three contract healthcare companies, assisted numerous state systems (both adult and juvenile) implement or evaluate new healthcare delivery systems and establishing standards used by professionals across the nation to improve the health services delivered to incarcerated persons across the nation.

ACHSA has directly benefited from Dr. Moore’s generosity, for she has provided her management experience while serving on ACHSA’S national board and ACHSA benefited financially through her annual donation of the profits from her publication.

Kathryn J. Wild, RN, MPA, CCHP, was the 2007 recipient of ACHSA’s highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award. The DSA was awarded at the annual multidisciplinary conference in Reno.

Kathy is a multi-talented person who has had a notable impact on many, in a variety of roles. When considering the criteria for the Distinguished Service Award:

• Improving the quality of care to detained or incarcerated individuals,

• Developing educational programs for staff and inmates,

• Decreasing costs while improving delivery of care,

• Involvement in innovative programs impacting treatment effectiveness,

• Improving the public image of correctional health care….

While saving money is important to Kathy, even more important is providing good care to patients, especially the mentally ill. To that end, she was instrumental in developing Pet Therapy. A program linking the jail’s mentally ill patients with the care of dogs that has positively impacted the mental health of those patients. A program of which she is deservedly proud.

In addition, Kathy has had a tremendous impact on ACHSA, serving in both a statewide and national setting. She served as an innovator and strategic thinker for the national board and was an effective liaison with the American Jail Association. On the California ACHSA board, she became proficient in organizing excellent statewide conferences, where everyone had fun while gaining valuable information, helpful in doing their jobs better. She served as an outstanding president of the California ACHSA chapter. She remains active as a consultant to the board. People frequently say they wish they could clone her.

Kathy is highly revered by those who work with her, work for her, or know of her work. In 2003, she was the honored recipient of the Outstanding Mental Health Advocate Award from the California Coalition for Mental Health. She is loved, respected and admired by many. She has had a positive impact on all those with whom she comes in contact, while keeping a proper perspective on life.

Code of Ethics

Service Awards