FIT (Formerly Incarcerated Transition) Program
What’s FIT?
READ: Meeting Health Needs at Reentry: North Carolina's FIT Program
Nearly 25,000 people were released in 2017 from state prisons in North Carolina. Upon release from incarceration, individuals are frequently without housing, employment, health insurance or access to health care services.
The Formerly Incarcerated Transition (FIT) Program connects formerly incarcerated individuals who have a chronic disease, mental illness and/or substance use disorder with appropriate health care services and other reentry resources. The program is a partnership with:
- UNC Family Medicine
- NC Department of Public Safety
- NC Community Health Center Association
- Health Clinic County departments of public health
- Local reentry councils
- Community-based re-entry organizations
Who’s Eligible?
he program assists people who suffer from chronic diseases during their reentry process (while still incarcerated), after release, and up to 2 years later. Chronic illnesses include:
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Congestive heart failure
- COPD or emphysema
- Kidney failure
- Liver disease
- Mental illness
- Substance use disorders
“When I got out of prison, I had so many things to think about … finding a job and a place to live and making things right with my family. It was a huge relief knowing I’d get some help transitioning. Thanks to the FIT program, I’m now working full time, managing my diabetes and moving on with my life.”
– Former client
Health & Wellness Services
- Primary care through Charlotte Community Health Clinic
- Referral to mental health and behavior health services
- Referral to substance use disorder treatment
- Referral to other resources, including nutrition and tobacco cessation
Covered Costs
A significant barrier to health care services is lack of insurance. Most formerly incarcerated people don’t qualify for Medicaid and have no health insurance.
The FIT Program provides free vouchers to cover office visits and medication costs for uninsured patients. Office visits at Community Health Centers are $20-$30 and medications cost between $4-$20 per month, per medication.
Referral & Contacts
FIT is part of the LifeWorks! Program located at the Goodwill Opportunity Campus, 5301 Wilkinson Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28208.
Deborah Rose, Community Health Worker
How to Help
If you’d like to make a donation to support this program, contact the CCT development office.