BIRMINGHAM, Alabama & PIMA COUNTY, Arizona – In collaboration with leading correctional healthcare company, NaphCare, the Pima County Adult Detention Complex was awarded the National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) Pinnacle Award at this year’s National Conference on Correctional Health Care. This prestigious honor – NCCHC’s highest recognition – highlights the County’s commitment to delivering high-quality, comprehensive care within its facility.
The Pinnacle Award recognizes facilities or organizations that have earned NCCHC accreditation in three key service areas: health services, mental health services, and opioid treatment programs (OTP). These accreditations reflect compliance with the highest nationally recognized standards of correctional healthcare. To date, only six facilities nationwide have earned this recognition.
Accreditation is awarded following a rigorous evaluation by NCCHC-trained experts who assess compliance across critical areas, including governance and administration; health promotion, safety, and disease prevention; personnel and training; ancillary health services; patient care and treatment; services for special needs populations; and medical-legal issues.
“NCCHC accreditation requires teamwork, dedication, and sustained effort. Achieving three accreditations – and earning NCCHC’s Pinnacle recognition – places Pima County among a select few correctional facilities nationwide. This remarkable achievement reflects steadfast commitment to quality patient care and sets a standard of excellence for others to follow,” said Amy Panagopoulos, MBA, BSN, CCHP, NCCHC’s Vice President of Accreditation and Chief Nursing Officer.
“I am incredibly proud of our team for earning the Pinnacle Award from the National Commission on Correctional Health Care,” said Sheriff Chris Nanos of the Pima County Sheriff’s Department. “This recognition reflects our continued commitment to the safety, dignity, and well-being of those in our custody. It highlights the dedication of our medical staff, corrections professionals, and community partners who work tirelessly to provide the highest standard of care within our facility. This award belongs to every member of our organization who strives each day to make a difference.”
“The Pinnacle Award affirms our shared commitment to improving outcomes for those we serve,” said Pima County Detainee and Crisis Systems. “It underscores the impact of working together to strengthen both our facility and our community.”
NaphCare partners with Pima County to provide proactive, patient-focused healthcare, including medical and mental health care at the Pima County Adult Detention Complex facility in Tucson, Arizona. Since 2021, NaphCare has partnered with the County to ensure quality healthcare services that align with NCCHC standards. This includes developing and expanding the Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) program into a SAMHSA-certified, NCCHC-accredited Opioid Treatment Program (OTP).
“As a proud partner to Pima County, we celebrate this outstanding achievement in correctional healthcare,” said Brad McLane, Chief Executive Officer of NaphCare. “Earning three separate accreditations is a clear reflection of their dedication to quality care, and we’re honored to support them in delivering essential health services.”
