August 25, 2003
NR-03-006
 
CA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS TRYING TO END CYCLE OF RE-INCARCERATION

Bakersfield, California - In an attempt to break the cycle of re-incarceration, the Kern County Parole Department has developed an orientation for all county parolees released from state prisons. The orientation is provided by the California Department of Corrections to familiarize parolees, approximately 300 per month, with available resources in Kern County, including: addiction treatment centers; adult learning programs; vocational training and other services to support lifestyle transition for these individuals.

"For decades prisoners have been paroled, handed $250 and dropped off at the bus station with no transitional services, job opportunities or addiction treatment services,” stated Sharon Price, Treatment Counselor for Aegis Medical Systems in Bakersfield. She further added that, “Aegis treatment centers are proud to be involved with this innovative program to help parolees ‘get clean’, get jobs and start a new life.”

“With the state and counties facing billions of dollars in deficit we need to keep people out of expensive prison beds,” concluded Steve Maulhardt, C.P.A., Aegis Vice President, “These services are already available and do not require new funds. We just need to match parolees with appropriate programs so they can become productive, taxpaying members of the community.”

Aegis Medical Systems, Inc., operates one of the largest chains of narcotic treatment programs in the nation. Headquartered in Canoga Park California, Aegis has 26 clinics throughout the state serving over 5,500 patients per day. For the last six years, Aegis has focused its efforts on raising clinical standards and regulatory compliance. Since 2000, Aegis has allocated significant resources to the training of its 300 employees, and to the development of new and more effective treatment policies, protocols and procedures, as well as expanded its Scope of Practice to address the various medical, mental and socio-economic needs of its patients. 

Aegis is also supporting the successful recover of its patients through its Patient Advocacy and Advisory Group (PAAG), Keys To Recovery (K2R) support groups, as well as commissioned offices for an Ombudsman, General Counsel, and Legislative Analyst (Jim Gonzalez & Associates). Additionally, Aegis has participated in pharmaceutical and behavioral research studies with other leading institutions (e.g., NIDA, Johnson & Johnson, Bayer, Rand Corporation, Friends Research, etc.) 

The Aegis Family of Corporations includes Aegis Medical Systems, Inc., Aegis Institute, Inc. (a non-profit organization), and Nationwide Medical Group, Inc. (a professional corporation).


Contact Persons

Priscilla Shrader, Executive Assistant
Aegis Medical Systems, Inc.
(818) 206-0360

Steve Maulhardt, C.P.A., VP
Aegis Medical Systems, Inc.
(818) 206-0360

 

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