On October 24–26, 2021, the American Jail Association held its inaugural fall summit on staff health and wellness in Columbus, Ohio.
The effects of stress on jails and their staff is a critical issue in the corrections field. AJA President Mandy Lambert’s President’s Initiative is raising awareness of the importance of staff wellness and health—and its effect on recruitment and retention. This intensive three-day summit was designed to deliver tools to address the mental, physical, and spiritual health of jail staff and meet all of our four stated goals. The first goal was to acknowledge the immense toll a career in local corrections takes on the jail professional. The day-to- day stressors can cause good officers to leave the profession for the sake of their health and well-being as well as the stress their chosen career has on their families. Providing avenues to build resilience and better ways to deal with trauma encountered on the job was the second goal; a mentally and physically strong officer is one who will stay in the field. The third goal was to provide tools to help administrators with retention. Finally, the fourth goal was to provide attendees with a space to rejuvenate, relax, and engage with their peers in person.
The summit included 20 workshops, 13 instructors, jail tours, activities, and networking with colleagues.
Tours of the James A. Karnes Correctional Center highlighted a major component in its design–to maintain the mental and physical health of the staff. This innovative and staff-centric facility is slated to open next year.
Dr. David Black kicked off the summit discussing “Wellness for Corrections Professionals in the 21st Century: Tools, Strategies, and Solutions” and presented the research and reasons why wellness is critical for corrections. Attendees learned how to equip corrections professionals with proactive, preventive, and practical wellness solutions; new research and innovative technology; strategies for improving recruitment and retention; and treating trauma while reducing suicide risk. Dr. Black highlighted corrections safety, wellness, leadership challenges and opportunities, as well as actionable tools and strategic solutions to implement wellness programs for the 21st century.
Among the workshop topics were: • How to Recruit, Retain, and Motivate • Yoga For First Responders • Building Resilience • Personal Life Management • The Future of Staff-Friendly Facilities • Creating a Mindful Culture • How to be More Optimistic and Develop a Growth Mindset
AJA also held a roundtable on recruitment and retention in order to assist with one of the largest issues facing jails presently. Throughout the summit, attendees were involved in multiple networking activities, including game night, the Bob Barker Wellness Challenge step contest, Summit Bingo, and karaoke at Club AJA. They also had an opportunity to get massage or acupuncture treatments in the Wellness Lounge.
Finally, attendees were armed with a binder filled with tips, strategies, resources, and a roadmap to introduce staff wellness programs in their facilities.
We also took the opportunity of meeting in person to celebrate all jail staff and present the 2021 AJA Award Recipients to those who could be with us. For a complete list of 2021 Award Winners, visit americanjail.org/awards.
A huge thank you to all of our participants, sponsors and exhibitors, the Summit Planning Committee, and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office for their dedication to this most important—but rarely discussed— topic.
Program Chair Brenda Dietzman and Summit Chair Marsha Travis.
Keynote Address by Dr. David Black
President Lambert presents the Ray Coleman Administrator of the Year Award to Deputy Chief Fred Meyer.
President Lambert presents the Innovation Award to the Century Regional Detention Facility of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department; accepted by Sheriff Alex Villanueva and Dr. Melissa Kelley.
Stephen Church, the recipient of the Francis R. "Dick" Ford Distinguished Service Award.
President Lambert presents the Volunteer of the Year to Linda Ahrens.
Thank You to Our Sponsors and Exhibitors
Attendees kicked back and had fun at Game Night.
President Lambert presents the Valor Award to Division 16 of the Cook County Department of Corrections; accepted by Noureen Kapadia, Deputy Director of Human Resources.
"The greatest wealth is health!"
