Armor Health Expands Partnership with Erie County: New Mental Health and Drug & Alcohol Services Now Available

Armor Health Expands Services in Erie County

ERIE, Pa., Sept. 3, 2025 – Armor Health, a leader in correctional healthcare, is teaming up with the Erie County Prison to offer new mental health and drug and alcohol treatment programs. This expansion aims to provide crucial support for individuals dealing with substance use disorders, particularly opioid addiction.

Starting in December 2023, Armor Health began delivering medical services at the prison. Following its success, Erie County recognized the value of adding mental health services. This initiative is led by Warden Mike Holman, who expressed enthusiasm about the comprehensive care these new offerings will bring.

Armor CEO Otto Campo applauded the prison leadership for their decision. “This partnership allows us to provide a holistic care program designed to meet patients’ needs,” he said.

With these new services, mental health evaluations will begin as soon as individuals are booked into the prison. Dr. Jimmy Fernandez, Armor’s Chief Medical Officer, emphasized the importance of early detection. Medical personnel will assess each individual to determine if they have substance use disorders right away.

Bridging care from prison to community resources is also a key focus. Dr. Fernandez explained, “If a patient is already in an opioid treatment program, we’ll ensure they continue receiving support during their time in prison.”

Armor’s approach combines medication-assisted treatment with behavioral therapies. This strategy not only helps individuals recover but also aims to reduce the likelihood of reoffending once they are released. By collaborating with community care teams, Armor Health ensures that patients can transition smoothly back into society.

The Bigger Picture

The opioid crisis continues to impact communities across the U.S. According to the CDC, over 100,000 drug overdose deaths occurred in a recent year, with a significant number related to opioids. By addressing this issue within correctional facilities, Armor Health is taking an important step towards improving public health.

Healthcare experts agree that integrating mental health services in correctional settings can lead to better outcomes. Research indicates that providing mental health care to incarcerated individuals reduces recidivism rates and improves community safety.

Armor Health has been committed to enhancing healthcare in correctional facilities for over 21 years. The organization’s innovative use of data analytics and AI helps ensure timely and effective care for every patient.

For more information about Armor Health and their services, visit ArmorHealthcare.com.

In summary, this partnership between Armor Health and the Erie County Prison highlights a promising approach to tackle mental health and substance use issues within prisons, fostering a healthier community overall.

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