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The perpetual blind spot in public health surveillance
Ray, B., Aalsma, M., Zaller, N. D., Comartin, E., & Sightes, E. (2022). The perpetual blind spot in public health surveillance. Journal of Correctional Health Care, 28(6), 391-395. https://doi.org/10.1089/jchc.21.06.0053
The jail population is disproportionately affected by poor health outcomes compared with the general population. Despite this, many jail systems do not have adequate surveillance of various health indicators, making it difficult to identify and address health concerns within this setting. In this commentary, the authors highlight four public health crises within the jail setting and identify gaps in data surveillance. The public health domains discussed in this commentary are HIV, suicide, overdose, and COVID-19. Authors also explore current barriers to data collection and reporting within the jail setting and provide recommendations for improved surveillance efforts.
