The National Commission on Correctional Health Care has selected the Broward County Sheriff’s Office to receive the 2009 Facility of the Year Award. The award is presented each year to only one facility or system from among the 500 jails, prisons, and juvenile confinement facilities that participate in the NCCHC’s nationwide accreditation program. In November, 2008, a five-member NCCHC survey team completed four days of records review, interviews, and program observations. They could find no deficiencies.
In the award letter to Sheriff Al Lamberti, NCCHC President Edward Harrison reported “The accreditation surveyors and committee were particularly impressed with how well your staff consistently demonstrated excellence in health services delivery, correctional health care professionalism, and a commitment to continuity of services.”
Working closely alongside Broward County’s facility and program services staff, Armor fully integrates the medical services program in order to meet Broward’s goal of seamless medical service and cost effective care. In fact, during the exit conference the surveyors observed “It is hard to tell your security staff from your Armor staff. The teamwork here really stands out.”
Soon after the November 2008 survey, Lieutenant Colonel Rick Frey, Broward’s Director of Detention Services congratulated Karen Davies, Armor Regional Vice President and recognized Armor’s role in supporting the Sheriff’s Office. “To have outside professionals examine every corner of our operation and find the level of excellence they described is very gratifying. Please extend my sincere appreciation to the entire Armor staff for their continued dedication and commitment. The success we enjoy is a credit to your leadership and their professionalism and hard work.”
Armor CEO, Bruce Teal, credits the vision of Sheriff Lamberti and the Broward Sheriff’s Office. “Every day, our partnership with Broward challenges us to excel. Armor is honored to work where commitment to meet national standards and support community partnerships is paramount.”
Teal also recognizes the hard work and dedication of Armor staff. “This award is possible only when dedicated and highly skilled professionals do their best work. This represents a team effort by everyone involved. It reflects Armor’s pledge to provide high quality, patient centered care.”
Armor Correctional Health Services values the work of its medical staff and providers. These individuals are dedicated to a career of service to persons in custody and work diligently in partnership with clients, correctional officers, and law enforcement staffs with whom we serve.
The Miami Herald recently featured one such professional in their "Job File" series highlighting occupations that exemplify professionalism and aspire to positively impact the local community, while working behind the scenes. In the article, Karen Davies described the role of correctional health professionals, including the challenges and rewards, and highlighted the unique responsibilities of the correctional nurse and health care manager.
Armor is also pleased that The Herald chose to feature Karen's experience, which includes current service as a U.S. Army reservist who has been deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan. To see Jessica Hopper’s article in the July 21, 2008 issue of The Herald's Business Monday, click on the following link here.
Karen joined Armor in June 2006 and works in Broward County. She is a System Administrator with overall management responsibility for Armor's comprehensive health care contracts spanning five housing facilities and an inmate population exceeding 5,400. Prior to Armor, Karen held nursing positions with the New York State Department of Correctional Service as well as in critical care and managed care areas.
