Getting the care you need after being released from incarceration can be difficult, especially when you need medications, treatment for a health condition or support for substance use or mental health concerns.
The Re-Entry Access to Community Health Clinic at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio, provides high-quality medical care without judgment for people returning to the community after incarceration. Here, you are treated with kindness, respect and support as you focus on your health and your next steps.
What is the Re-Entry Access to Community Health Clinic?
The Re-Entry Access to Community Health Clinic is a primary care clinic at the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center for people who have spent time in jail, prison or another correctional setting. The clinic helps patients return to healthcare after release.
Help includes getting medications refilled, managing chronic health conditions, addressing substance use concerns, catching up on preventive healthcare or getting connected to other health services. Our goal is to provide comprehensive medical care that supports patients as they return to their families, communities, work and daily life.
Who does the Re-Entry Access to Community Health Clinic serve?
Our re-entry health clinic may be helpful if you:
- Were recently released from prison or jail
- Are preparing for release
- Need a primary care doctor
- Need help refilling medications
- Have a chronic health condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure or asthma
- Want support for substance use or mental health concerns
- Are helping a loved one connect with healthcare after their incarceration
You don’t need to know exactly what type of healthcare you need before you call. Our team can help you understand and decide your next steps.
Why timely healthcare matters
A study found that the risk of death is 12 times higher during the first two weeks after release from prison than for the general population.
It can be hard for people to keep up with medical care during this crucial time and beyond. Some have trouble getting an appointment with a new doctor. Some need help managing chronic conditions, substance use or their mental health.
The Re-Entry Access to Community Health Clinic was created to help reduce these gaps in care. The clinic offers re-entry healthcare services for people during this critical transition.
Care provided by the Re-Entry Access to Community Health Clinic
The Re-Entry Access to Community Health Clinic can help with:
- Primary care
- Preventive care
- Care for new or urgent health concerns
- Care for chronic medical conditions
- Medication refills
- Substance use treatment
- Mental health support
- Referrals to drug and alcohol counseling
- Referrals to other healthcare services, when needed
Our post-incarceration clinic can also help patients get connected with specialty care or other services provided by the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, when needed.
Why choose Ohio State's Re-Entry Access to Community Health Clinic?
Our care team understands that returning to the community from the correctional system can come with barriers that make it harder to stay healthy. The clinic is led by Preston Williams, MD, a primary care physician who has expertise supporting people formerly incarcerated, experience working in jail settings and who understands health needs tied to incarceration, release and re-entry.
People who have been incarcerated have unique needs that differ from those of the general population. Our post-prison re-entry clinic helps address needs such as:
- Requesting records from the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation & Correction
- Managing chronic conditions and health risks that may affect people after incarceration
- Communicating with parole officers, when desired by the patient
- Offering substance use treatment in the same clinic
- Providing long-acting injectable treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD) and opioid use disorder (OUD), when appropriate
- Helping patients get appointments quickly
- Listening to each patient’s story, concerns and health goals
What to expect at your first visit to the clinic
Your first visit is a chance to talk with the care team about your health, your medications and any concerns you have. At your first appointment, your provider may:
- Complete a physical exam.
- Review your medical history.
- Talk with you about chronic medical conditions.
- Review any medications you take.
- Discuss preventive care you may need.
- Address health concerns that are bothering you now.
- Provide options for substance use or mental health needs, if you want support for these problems.
- Help connect you with counseling or other services when needed.
Bring a government-issued ID such as a driver's license or passport, and your insurance card if you have insurance. You can also bring any medications, vitamins or supplements you take. This can help your provider understand what you need and refill medications when appropriate.
How to schedule an appointment or refer a patient
Calling is the fastest way to schedule an appointment. Referrals are not required. Patients can call to schedule their own appointment.
To schedule by phone
Call 614-688-6470
Select option 2 for new patient appointments and ask to be scheduled with the Re-Entry Access to Community Healthcare Clinic.
To schedule by fax
Fax 614-688-6471
On the fax cover sheet, specify that the referral is for a new patient appointment at the Re-Entry Access to Community Health Clinic. Include the patient’s information and a phone number where the patient can be reached.
Frequently asked questions
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No. You can call to schedule your own appointment. Call 614-688-6470, select option 1 for new patient appointments and ask for the Re-Entry Access to Community Health Clinic.
A family member, community partner, re-entry program officer, case manager or other support person may also help you connect with the clinic.
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People using the Re-Entry Clinic have the same financial options as other Ohio State primary care patients. To discuss billing and financial assistance options, please call 614- 293-2100.
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The Re-Entry Access to Community Health Clinic is for people who were previously incarcerated in prison, jail or another correctional setting.
You do not need to provide a specific release date before calling. The clinic team can help you determine whether our clinic is the right place for your care.
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For registration and scheduling, patients need to bring a form of government-issued identification such as a driver’s license or passport. Bringing medications, vitamins or supplements you take helps your provider understand your current healthcare needs.
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Yes. The Re-Entry Access to Community Health Clinic can provide substance use care and can help connect patients with counseling or mental health support, when needed.
About our program
The Re-Entry Access to Community Health Clinic started in May 2025. It was developed by Preston Williams, MD, to help reduce health disparities for people returning to the community after spending time in a correctional facility.
People leaving prison or jail can face serious health risks after release, especially when they do not have quick access to medical care, medication refills or support for substance use and mental health needs.
This community health program was created to help change that by making it easier for patients to connect with respectful, high-quality care during the transition back into the community.
The clinic also works with re-entry partners in the community to help people connect with care.
Our partners
The Re-Entry Access to Community Health Clinic works with community and re-entry partners to help people connect with care after incarceration.
Primary Care Addiction Medicine (PCAM)
Ohio State’s Primary Care Addiction Medicine Clinic (PCAM) supports patients with substance use concerns in a primary care setting. This partnership helps patients receive medical care and substance use treatment as part of their overall health plan.
Talbot Hall
Talbot Hall provides comprehensive drug and alcohol addiction services at the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, including withdrawal management, residential treatment, outpatient therapy, medication management and support groups. The program helps patients receive the level of addiction care that fits their needs.
The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation & Correction
The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation & Correction’s Office of Reentry helps people returning to the community access programs, services and local resources. Its work focuses on successful reintegration through partnerships with re-entry coalitions, community organizations, institutions and parole services.
Ohio Department of Behavioral Health Community Transition Program
The Community Transition Program helps adults returning home from prison continue their mental health and substance use treatment after release. The program also helps with recovery support needs such as housing, transportation, work, education, peer support and identification documents.
Columbus Violence Reduction
Columbus Violence Reduction (CVR) is a relationship-based gun violence reduction program that works with people at high risk of being involved in gun violence. The program provides outreach, life coaching, behavioral interventions and individualized support to help participants stay safe, build stability and access resources such as housing, transportation, education and employment support.