CCA Recognizes National Medical Assistants Week
During National Medical Assistants Week, which runs from Oct. 20-24, Corrections Corporation of America (CCA) recognizes the invaluable role that over 100 medical assistants play at its facilities. As the nation’s largest provider of corrections management services to federal, state and local government, CCA employs 17,000 personnel nationwide, with more than 1,000 of those serving in health services. Although they comprise one of the smallest divisions within CCA, health services professionals make a significant daily impact in providing health services to offenders and detainees.
“They’re a very important part of what we do,” said John Tighe, CCA Vice President of Health Services. “They are able to help nursing staff focus their energies on doing nursing care and assume some of the more routine but important services. The better job that person does, the more inmate patients the doctor is able to see.”
Medical assistants are responsible for drawing blood, taking vital signs and submitting examination results to health care providers, among other tasks. They also play an instrumental role in educating offenders about wellness, preventive care and managing existing conditions. Additionally, medical assistants offer printed materials providing medical information and help inmates understand instructions for taking medication and maintaining general wellness.
Barabra Hunt, a medical assistant at McRae Correctional Facility in McRae, Ga., is always ready to assist others. The most rewarding part of her job, she says, is “feeling like you’ve helped somebody whether you’ve helped the provider or the patients. I’m providing a service I feel is needed.”
“I enjoy working here,” Hunt says. “Whenever I’ve been gone from the office, my co-workers tell me they’re happy I’m back. I know I’m valued here at CCA.”
About CCA
CCA is the founder and industry leader of the private corrections management industry, representing the nation’s fourth-largest corrections system, behind the federal government and two states. CCA currently operates 65 facilities, including 42 that are company-owned, with a total design capacity exceeding 80,000 beds in 19 states and the District of Columbia, with more than 17,000 employees who provide comprehensive educational, vocational, therapeutic and addictions treatment programs intended to prepare inmates for successful re-integration with society.
