FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SEPTEMBER 4, 2003

Prisons Chief Names Health Care Review Team

(Columbus) -- Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction Director Reginald A. Wilkinson today announced DRC’s response to Governor Bob Taft’s request for an internal review of the prison health care system. Director Wilkinson has assembled a team of individuals with diverse backgrounds who will be charged with the task of reviewing the Department’s health care delivery system.

Governor Taft has expressed his concerns and instructed DRC to conduct an internal review, bring in an outside consultant and cooperate with the Correctional Institution Inspection Committee to bring about any needed changes to enhance the quality of health care made available to prisoners. “ We are always looking to improve and ensure quality services in the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction,” said Director Wilkinson. “I look forward to the recommendations for improvement that will come after a thorough and independent review of our prison health care system.”

Director Wilkinson has appointed Assistant Director Tom Stickrath to serve as chair of the 14-member review team. Everyone selected to serve on this team are DRC staff that work in the areas of security, medical, administration or legal services. The review committee will submit their report by the end of the year.

DRC will be announcing the contract medical consultant soon. This person will be tasked with the responsibility of evaluating the clinical aspects of health care delivery in the prison system and making recommendations for improvement.

Below you will find the names of the individuals that have been named to this review team. If you have any further questions please feel free to contact the DRC Public Information Office at (614) 752-1150.

Health Care Review Team:

Tom Stickrath, Chair

Kay Northrup, Deputy Director, Office of Correctional Health Care

Toni Brooks, North Regional Director, Office of Prisons

Tammy Hartzler, Warden, Corrections Medical Center

Julie Riley, Chief, Bureau of Internal Audits and Standards Compliance

Greg Bucholtz, Assistant Chief, Chief Inspector’s Office

Annette Chambers, Deputy Warden of Special Services, Ohio Reformatory for Women

Michelle Eberlin, Deputy Warden of Special Services, Belmont Correctional Institution

Brian Eastman, Chief, Bureau of Budgets and Analysis

Karen Stanforth, Health Care Administrator, Pickaway Correctional Institution

Cindy Lawson, Health Care Administrator, Lebanon Correctional Institution

Kathy Ehrle, Legal Counsel

Michelle Gray, Registered Nurse, Corrections Medical Center

To Be Determined, LPN