Georgia prison health care: providers and contracts, spending, staffing, audits, DOJ findings, Augusta State Medical Prison, deaths in custody and litigation
Health care in Georgia's prisons: who provides it, what it costs, and what audits, courts and deaths show, 2015 to 2026
This collection sets out facts from public sources on the subject in its title, drawn from Georgia, federal sources, national and multi-state sources and other sources. Each entry gives a short statement, the exact passage from the source that supports it, and the source's title, web address and the date it was retrieved. Searches of a source that found no match are listed too, with the wordings that were tried. The entries record what each source said when it was retrieved. They aren't a complete account of the subject, and they don't add analysis or conclusions.
Where this research is used
This page is a research collection: individual facts drawn from the sources listed further down, each traced to where it came from. A research topic brings many collections together into one overview of an issue. The facts on this page feed these 5 topics; open one to see how they fit with the rest of the evidence.
Budget & Spending
Georgia's prison budget rose from $1.53 billion in fiscal 2024 to an all-time peak of $1.91 billion in fiscal 2025, then settled near $1.79 billion for fiscal 2027. Across that arc the money moved toward health contracts, private beds and surveillance technology while the state-operated prison program, food service and education shrank. GPS's own budget series has since corrected several of its earlier headline claims, and the gap between what the state appropriates and what it can show for it remains the central accountability problem.
11,375 data points
Healthcare & Medical Neglect
Georgia's prison healthcare system fails the constitutional floor on a documented, repeated basis: the federal Department of Justice concluded in October 2024 that medical care in Georgia prisons is 'abhorrent,' 'life-threatening' and unconstitutional, with people waiting months for treatment and roughly 10% of those with Hepatitis C or HIV receiving it. The state has outsourced the duty to a succession of contractors — Georgia Correctional HealthCare until 2021, Wellpath for three years, and Centurion Health since July 2024 under a $2.40 billion nine-year contract — while the Health program appropriation reached $432,247,728 for fiscal year 2027. What the record leaves is a delivery system that cannot staff itself, a mortality record the Department stopped explaining in March 2024, and named dead people whose settlements the state pays years later.
4,808 data points
Mortality & Deaths in Custody
Georgia's prison system recorded at least 1,915 deaths in custody between January 1, 2020, and the registry cutoff — a floor, not a total, because the Georgia Department of Corrections reports deaths roughly two months late and stopped publishing cause of death in March 2024. Homicides rose from a ceiling of nine a year (2011–2018) to 142 across 2018–2023, a 95.8% increase in the last three years, while the department's own mortality data classified obvious homicides as unknown and medical examiners recorded at least 44 overdose deaths the department had labeled natural or undetermined. The same reporting collapse now covers suicide, heat death, and medical neglect — the categories in which the state's own records show people dying unattended in cells for days.
8,758 data points
Oversight & Accountability
Georgia runs one of the largest prison systems in the United States with no independent body empowered to inspect it, and every internal mechanism that might substitute for outside oversight — the Board of Corrections, the Office of Professional Standards, the inmate grievance system, PREA audits, ACA accreditation, and the department's own mortality reviews — is staffed, funded, and answered to by the agency it would police. The result is a documented pattern in which the only functioning accountability actor has been the federal government: a Justice Department investigation opened in 2016, expanded twice, and concluded in October 2024 with a finding that Georgia's prisons violate the Eighth Amendment, followed by no consent decree, no enforcement action, and no new federal prosecution of prison staff. This page collects what the record shows about how oversight fails in Georgia, how the failures are measured, and what the evidence says an actual oversight mechanism would require.
16,182 data points
Staffing Crisis
Georgia's prison system has run correctional officer vacancy rates above 50 percent since 2021, with ten of its largest facilities above 70 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Justice's October 2024 findings and the state's own budget testimony. Turnover compounds the shortfall: 82.7 percent of officers hired between January 2021 and November 2024 left within a year, and Georgia ranks last among the 50 states in correctional officer pay. Federal investigators, state-hired consultants and the Georgia Senate Study Committee have each identified staffing as the primary mechanism behind the violence, delayed medical response and unchecked gang control documented inside the system.
9,994 data points
Key Findings
The most impactful data from this research collection. Tap a card for the full finding and its source.
The finding
The DOJ report quotes an EMS director's estimate that EMS teams are delayed an average of 30 minutes during emergency responses to a GDC prison while waiting for security staff to open the three gates necessary to access the prison's medical department.
The finding
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that Wellpath informed the GDC last June that it would opt out of its contract on June 30, 2024, only three years into a nine-year deal.
The finding
The DOJ report states that in 2023 GDC agreed to a $5 million settlement in a case in which an incarcerated person died after correctional officers left him locked in his cell with his mattress on fire, and the medical examiner ruled the death a homicide.
The finding
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that the Georgia Department of Corrections has awarded a $2.4 billion contract for healthcare in the prison system to a new company without the competitive process required under state law, per the then-current contractor's lawsuit.
The finding
In the lawsuit, Wellpath alleged that over three years it spent $40 million of its own money to uphold the state's constitutional right to provide prisoners with adequate health care.
The finding
The DOJ report states GDC's correctional officer vacancy rate was around 50% systemwide and over 70% at ten of the largest facilities.
The finding
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that prison deaths in GDC facilities reached a record 332 in 2024, and that the previous record year, 2020, included 72 prisoners who died of COVID; totals have remained high since.
The finding
DOJ's report states that in the first five months of 2024 there were 18 confirmed or suspected homicides in GDC custody, based on GDC's reported homicide totals and other documentation.
The finding
The DOJ report states that Georgia's prison homicide rate in 2019 was almost triple the national average: 34 per 100,000 people in Georgia versus a national average of 12 per 100,000 in state prisons.
The finding
The DOJ report quotes an EMS director's estimate that EMS teams are delayed an average of 30 minutes during emergency responses to a GDC prison, waiting for security staff to open the three gates necessary to access the prison's medical department.
All Data Points
325 verified data points extracted from primary sources.
Augusta Correctional and Medical Institution opened in FY83 for infirmary care Finding
Georgia's FY1982-83 Biennial Report of the Board of Corrections states that the Augusta Correctional and Medical Institution opened in FY83 for the purpose of providing infirmary-level services and access to specialty services.
GDC privatized healthcare with Wellpath in 2021 after 23 years with Augusta University division Policy
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that the GDC contracted with Wellpath in 2021 when the agency decided to privatize healthcare after 23 years with Georgia Correctional HealthCare, a division of Augusta University.
FY2020 MHM-Centurion 10-year $40 million mental health and dental contract Policy
In FY2020, GDC entered into a 10-year, $40 million contract with MHM-Centurion to provide mental health services and dental health, moving from a primary mental health personnel contract to a service provision contract with 100% mental health services provided by MHM-Centurion.
Jacobi Chomicki death at ASMP Case detail
WRDW reported that GDC officials said 23-year-old inmate Jacobi Chomicki died at Augusta State Medical Prison on May 22, with cause of death undetermined at the time of reporting and the body sent to the GBI crime lab.
GDC year-end prison population 2019 Statistic
GDC's own year-end inmate count series lists the Georgia prison system's population as 53,943 at year-end 2019.
53,943 people
GDC average correctional officer vacancy rate, 2021-2023 Statistic
The DOJ report states GDC's average correctional officer vacancy rate was 49.3% in 2021, 56.3% in 2022, and 52.5% in 2023.
49.3% vs. 56.3 2022 vacancy rate
Gumm v. Sellers settlement requires out-of-cell mental health evaluation before SMU assignment and at reviews Legal fact
Under the Gumm v. Sellers settlement, before assignment to the SMU and at every 60-day or 90-day review hearing, people will receive an out-of-cell mental health evaluation performed by a licensed mental health provider; if the provider finds someone is decompensating or likely to decompensate, they will be transferred to an appropriate treatment facility.
Georgia spent less per inmate on healthcare than most surveyed states in FY2013 Finding
The Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts surveyed twelve other states on fiscal year 2013 healthcare costs per inmate and found that Georgia spends less per inmate than most other states.
GDC daily physical health care cost per inmate, FY2021-FY2024 Statistic
GDC's reported daily cost per inmate for physical health care was $12.63 in FY2021, $13.09 in FY2022, $13.05 in FY2023, and $14.45 in FY2024.
$14.45 vs. 12.6 FY2021 daily cost per inmate
GDC SOP 507.02.02: health record is GDC property, health information belongs to patient Policy
GDC SOP 507.02.02 'Confidentiality of the Health Record and Release of Information' states that the health record is the property of GDC and will be maintained per professional standards, while the health information contained in the record belongs to the patient.
GDC Health program FY2018 expenditures Statistic
GDC's Health program total funds were $239,706,639 in FY2018 expenditures, per the Governor's Budget Report for AFY2020 and FY2021.
$239.7M USD
ACMI provided care for sickest inmates including unstable diabetes, renal disease, AIDS Finding
Georgia's FY1994 GDC Annual Report states that the Augusta Correctional Medical Institution (ACMI) is crucial in the delivery of health care services throughout the system, providing care for the sickest inmates such as those with unstable diabetes, renal disease, and AIDS.
Source
Wellpath contract had nine one-year renewal options with opt-out provision Policy
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that Wellpath's GDC healthcare contract included nine one-year options for renewal, with Wellpath able to opt out at any point as long as it gave notice.
GDC filled ~100,000 prescriptions per month at $42 million annual cost in FY2020 Statistic
GDC filled approximately 100,000 prescriptions per month at an annual cost of $42 million during FY2020.
100,000 prescriptions per month vs. 42 annual cost in millions of dollars
Griggs and Maddox lawsuit settled Legal fact
The Augusta Press reported that a civil rights lawsuit against the state of Georgia over conditions at Augusta State Medical Prison, filed in U.S. District Court in Augusta in 2017 on behalf of Eugene Griggs and Cameron Maddox, was settled, with the settlement coming months after DOJ announced it would investigate allegations that prison officials abandoned responsibility for inmate safety and medical care.
GDC year-end prison population 2020 Statistic
GDC's own year-end inmate count series lists the Georgia prison system's population as 46,132 at year-end 2020.
46,132 people
EMS response delayed 30 minutes on average at GDC prison Finding
The DOJ report quotes an EMS director's estimate that EMS teams are delayed an average of 30 minutes during emergency responses to a GDC prison while waiting for security staff to open the three gates necessary to access the prison's medical department.
Pew report found nine states spending less than Georgia per inmate in 2011 Finding
The Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts report cites a recent Pew report, using data reported from 2007 and 2011, that found nine states spending less than Georgia per inmate in 2011.
GDC daily dental care cost per inmate, FY2021-FY2024 Statistic
GDC's reported daily cost per inmate for dental care was $0.61 in FY2021, $0.70 in FY2022, $0.67 in FY2023, and $0.64 in FY2024.
$0.64 vs. 0.6 FY2021 daily cost per inmate
GDC SOP 507.04.03: health complaint investigated within 7 working days, written reply within 14 Policy
GDC SOP 507.04.03 'Offender Health Concerns and Complaints' requires the Responsible Health Authority to investigate a health care concern no later than seven working days from receipt and to provide a written reply to the offender within fourteen working days.
FY2027 appropriations bill sought $55.8M for GDC health contract increases Statistic
The General Assembly's FY2027 appropriations bill sought to appropriate to the Department of Corrections $55,793,188 in state general funds in the Health program for contract increases for the physical, dental, mental, and pharmacy contracts.
$55.8M USD
GDC Health program FY2019 expenditures Statistic
GDC's Health program total funds were $251,764,019 in FY2019 expenditures, per the Governor's Budget Report for AFY2020 and FY2021.
$251.8M USD
Augusta State Medical Prison provides hospital-level care including specialists and surgery Finding
A Georgia State Auditor report on Inmate Health Care (FY2004) states that Augusta State Medical Prison provides a broad range of hospital-level care services for inmates, including medical specialists and surgery.
Centurion bid on 2021 healthcare contract and already provided mental health and dental services Finding
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that Centurion was among the bidders seeking to win the healthcare contract that was awarded in 2021, and that the company has long provided mental health services for the GDC and more recently became the provider of dental care.
GDC planned July 2020 RFP for pharmaceutical services Policy
In July 2020, GDC planned to issue a request for proposals for pharmaceutical services.
Maddox alleged elevator beating by guards Case detail
The Augusta Press reported that Maddox alleged in his lawsuit that after a confrontation with his cell mate on Sept. 27, 2016, prison guards removed him from his cell, handcuffed him, and in an elevator without security cameras, guards punched him.
GDC year-end prison population 2022 Statistic
GDC's own year-end inmate count series lists the Georgia prison system's population as 47,382 at year-end 2022.
47,382 people
DOJ Eighth Amendment finding on protection from violence Legal fact
The DOJ findings report states that the State fails to protect incarcerated people from violence and harm by other incarcerated people, in violation of the Eighth Amendment, as one of its two listed findings (the report's FINDINGS section lists only this and a sexual-harm finding; there is no separate finding on medical or mental health care).
Trans medical care lawsuit names Oliver, Sauls, Mardis, and Centurion Health as defendants Legal fact
The Georgia class-action lawsuit over trans medical care named as defendants GDC Commissioner Tyrone Oliver, Assistant Commissioner Randy Sauls, GDC Medical Director Marlah Mardis, and Centurion Health, and charged them with deliberate indifference to the medical needs of people in their custody.
GDC daily mental health care cost per inmate, FY2021-FY2024 Statistic
GDC's reported daily cost per inmate for mental health care was $9.81 in FY2021, $8.58 in FY2022, $7.89 in FY2023, and $8.22 in FY2024.
$8.22 vs. 9.8 FY2021 daily cost per inmate
GDC SOP 507.04.03: complaint files retained at facility for four years Policy
GDC SOP 507.04.03 requires the Responsible Health Authority to maintain a copy of each health concern/complaint and reply at the facility for four years from the date of the reply to the offender.
FY2027 GDC Health program total funds $433.1M Statistic
The FY2027 appropriations bill's appropriation for the Department of Corrections' Health program (line item 19.4) totals $433,124,187 in Total Funds, with $573,812 of that in Federal Funds and Grants. The stated purpose is to provide the required constitutional level of physical, dental, and mental health care to all inmates of the state correctional system.
$433.1M USD
GDC Health program Amended FY2020 budget Statistic
GDC's Health program had an Amended FY2020 Budget of $243,325,228, per the Governor's Budget Report for AFY2020 and FY2021.
$243.3M USD
GDC denies violence role in Wellpath exit Finding
A GDC spokesperson said the department had no knowledge that violence played a role in Wellpath's decision to end its contract, and that the company was instead concerned about 'the rising costs of healthcare in general.'
Georgia State Prison first in U.S. to receive AMA accreditation for health care Finding
Georgia State Prison's GDC fact sheet lists it as the first prison in the United States to receive American Medical Association accreditation for health care delivery services.
Wellpath opted out of contract effective June 30, 2024, three years into nine-year deal Case detail
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that Wellpath informed the GDC last June that it would opt out of its contract on June 30, 2024, only three years into a nine-year deal.
GDC partnered with Alliant in April 2020 for medical consult pre-authorization Policy
In April 2020, GDC partnered with Alliant to provide pre-authorization services for medical consults aligned with Georgia's Medicaid program.
Former ASMP medical director lawsuit settled Legal fact
The Augusta Press reported that the state settled a separate lawsuit filed by a former medical director at Augusta State Medical Prison who alleged he was forced out of his job because he spoke out about dangerous safety and health conditions for inmates and staff.
GDC year-end prison population 2023 Statistic
GDC's own year-end inmate count series lists the Georgia prison system's population as 49,387 at year-end 2023.
49,387 people
$5 million settlement in mattress-fire death ruled homicide Case detail
The DOJ report states that in 2023 GDC agreed to a $5 million settlement in a case in which an incarcerated person died after correctional officers left him locked in his cell with his mattress on fire, and the medical examiner ruled the death a homicide.
Trans medical care lawsuit filed by CCR and Bondurant Mixson & Elmore; seeks Eighth Amendment injunction Legal fact
The lawsuit over Georgia's trans medical care ban was filed by the Center for Constitutional Rights and lawyers from Bondurant Mixson & Elmore LLP, charging the defendants with deliberate indifference to the medical needs of people in their custody and asking the court to enjoin the law as violating the Eighth Amendment.
State-by-state FY2013 healthcare cost comparison: two lower, two similar, four higher Finding
The Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts report states that most states surveyed spent more than Georgia in fiscal year 2013 in either physical healthcare or total healthcare; two states (Illinois and South Carolina) spent less, two (Tennessee and Utah) spent approximately the same, and four spent more.
GDC Healthcare program funding for new physical health and pharmacy contracts, AFY24 and FY25 Statistic
In AFY24 and FY25, GDC's Healthcare program received $65.27m in AFY24 and $71.97m in FY25 for implementation and maintaining newer physical health and pharmacy services contracts.
$72.0M vs. 65.3 AFY24 funding
GDC SOP 507.03.03: staffing proposals submitted to contract vendor regional manager Policy
GDC SOP 507.03.03 'Staffing Levels' requires the Responsible Health Authority to submit a written staffing proposal to the contract vendor regional manager when additional health care personnel are determined to be needed, and requires the Office of Health Services and the health services contract vendor to develop staffing standards based on objective workload data.
OCGA § 42-5-2 caps non-contracted hospital reimbursement at Medicaid rate Legal fact
A Georgia Penal Institutions Code provision on costs of inmate care states that a hospital authority or hospital not under contract with the Georgia Department of Corrections as of July 1, 2009 shall be reimbursed no more than the applicable Georgia Medicaid rate for emergency services provided to a state inmate.
Rankin resignation letter on violence against medical staff Finding
Mary Rankin, a former health services administrator at Phillips State Prison, wrote in her resignation letter: 'Recently, there has been little to no security staff covering the medical department, and inmate violence against medical staff has increased. I do not feel safe working here.'
Sliding-scale cost-sharing for private-prison inmate hospitalizations Policy
A state audit describes a stop-loss arrangement with private prison operators: if the cost of a single inmate's hospitalization, or the hospitalization of several inmates for a single incident, is $25,000 or above, GDC pays a portion of the cost on a sliding scale: $0 to $24,999 = 0% GDC share; $25,000 to $49,999 = 50%; $50,000 to $99,999 = 75%; $100,000 or more = 100%. GDC also has the option to transfer the most expensive inmates to a GDC facility.
GDC awarded $2.4 billion healthcare contract to Centurion without competitive process, per lawsuit Legal fact
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that the Georgia Department of Corrections has awarded a $2.4 billion contract for healthcare in the prison system to a new company without the competitive process required under state law, per the then-current contractor's lawsuit.
FY2020 amended Health program budget: $233,066,277 Statistic
GDC's Amended Appropriations by Program table lists Health at a budget of $233,066,277 for FY2020.
$233.1M
GDC posted homicide notices 2017-2020 Statistic
The Augusta Press reported that, per the Georgia prison system, the department posted notices of 17 homicides in 2020, versus 12 in 2019 and seven each in 2017 and 2018.
17 homicides vs. 12 homicides in 2019
Board of Corrections rule lists hepatitis C among chronic conditions Legal fact
GDC's Board of Corrections rule on medical services lists hepatitis C among chronic conditions (along with AIDS, tuberculosis, rheumatoid arthritis and renal disease) relevant to inmate medical care responsibilities and co-pay deduction procedures.
Former medical contractor alleged violence drove high trauma-care costs Finding
The DOJ report states that in a state-court lawsuit against GDC, GDC's former medical contractor alleged in its pleadings that GDC's failure to control violence in the prisons led to extraordinarily high medical costs for trauma care.
DOJ indictment alleges ASMP officers willfully disregarded smoldering fire in inmate cell on Oct. 28, 2020 Case detail
The DOJ indictment alleges that on Oct. 28, 2020, Roberson and Phillips became aware of a smoldering fire in an inmate's cell and willfully disregarded it rather than extinguishing it, evacuating the inmate, or calling a fire emergency.
About 14,000 Georgia inmates have identified mental health needs Statistic
GDC Commissioner Tyrone Oliver told the Senate Study Committee that about 14,000 inmates system-wide have identified mental health needs.
14,000 inmates
Pew/Vera: Georgia per-inmate health care spending, FY2010-FY2015 (inflation-adjusted) Statistic
Pew/Vera's inflation-adjusted Table C.3 reports Georgia corrections department per-inmate health care spending at $3,871 in FY2010, $3,899 in FY2011, $3,683 in FY2012, $3,543 in FY2013, $3,676 in FY2014, and $3,610 in FY2015, a -7% change.
$3,610 vs. 3,871 FY2010 per-inmate spending
Source
GDC SOP 507.03.03: Health Services Director proposes facility staffing plans with vendor Policy
GDC SOP 507.03.03 requires the GDC Health Services Director, in coordination with the health services contract vendor, to be responsible for proposing staffing plans for each GDC facility.
Wellpath appeal A25A0483 withdrawn October 29, 2024 Legal fact
The Georgia Court of Appeals order in Wellpath LLC v. State of Georgia, case A25A0483, granting Wellpath's motion to withdraw its appeal, is dated Atlanta, October 29, 2024.
Wellpath provided care to over 40,000 Georgia prisoners since 2021 Finding
The AJC reported that since 2021, Wellpath has provided health care for Georgia's more than 40,000 state prisoners, but the Nashville-based company sent notice that it would end its contract seven years early.
Inmate Henegar missed seizure medication for four days at Walker State Prison, suffered seizures Case detail
In Wade v. McDade, over a four-day period in August 2016 at Walker State Prison, inmate David Henegar failed to receive his daily seizure medication, Dilantin, prescribed for epilepsy; late on the fourth day he suffered two seizures that he said caused permanent brain damage.
Wellpath lawsuit claims its price was objectively lower than Centurion's $2.4 billion Legal fact
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported Wellpath's lawsuit asserted that its price was "objectively lower" than the $2.4 billion the GDC agreed to pay Centurion for a contract of similar length.
FY25 contract pharmacy supplier serves 65 facilities Policy
As of the FY25 Annual Report, GDC utilizes a contract pharmacy supplier to administer, identify, acquire, and distribute pharmaceutical products to each of its 65 facilities that house offenders, and the pharmacy supplier participates in several national drug-purchasing programs.
Source
SCHR: 30% prison jobs vacant June 2020 Statistic
The Southern Center for Human Rights reported that in June 2020, 30 percent of the state's prison jobs were vacant.
30%
Eleventh Circuit: genuine disputes of material fact in Johnson v. Lewis HCV case Legal fact
In Johnson v. Lewis, the Eleventh Circuit held there were genuine disputes of material fact as to whether GDC Statewide Medical Director Dr. Sharon Lewis and prison doctors Thomas Ferrell and Kevin Marler were deliberately indifferent to inmate Ricky Johnson's Hepatitis C, which progressed to stage F4 cirrhosis after he was diagnosed with Hepatitis C in 2009 but did not receive medication for nine years.
Federal grand jury returned two-count indictment Aug. 5 against former ASMP officers Roberson and Phillips Legal fact
On Aug. 5, a federal grand jury in the Southern District of Georgia returned a two-count indictment charging former Augusta State Medical Prison Correctional Officers Robert Roberson and Marcus Phillips with violating the constitutional rights of an inmate by showing deliberate indifference, in connection with his death.
Pew/Vera: 48-state median per-inmate health care spending, FY2010-FY2015 (inflation-adjusted) Statistic
Pew/Vera's Table C.3 reports a median per-inmate health care spending (inflation-adjusted) across 48 states of $5,563 in FY2010, $5,521 in FY2011, $5,484 in FY2012, $5,456 in FY2013, $5,420 in FY2014, and $5,680 in FY2015, a 2% change.
$5,680 vs. 5,563 FY2010 median per-inmate spending
Source
O.C.G.A. § 42-5-55: no medical deduction when inmate account balance is $10 or less Legal fact
O.C.G.A. § 42-5-55 authorizes the commissioner to establish criteria for deductions from an inmate's account to defray costs for medical treatment initiated by the inmate, but prohibits deductions whenever the balance in the inmate's account is $10.00 or less.
SCHR: 25 deaths at Valdosta State Prison Jan 2025–Aug 2026 Statistic
The Southern Center for Human Rights said 25 people died at Valdosta State Prison between January 2025 and August 2026.
25 deaths
Medical Association of Georgia flagged Arrendale staffing in 2022 accreditation Finding
When Lee Arrendale State Prison, Georgia's largest facility for women, was subject to accreditation by the Medical Association of Georgia in 2022, the organization warned that staffing levels were a concern even as it approved the facility.
Henegar sued five prison employees under §1983 for deliberate indifference Legal fact
Proceeding under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, Henegar sued five prison employees, two corrections officers and three nurses, arguing that by failing to ensure he got his Dilantin they exhibited deliberate indifference to his medical needs in violation of the Eighth Amendment; the district court granted summary judgment.
Wellpath lawsuit filed May 7 in Fulton County Superior Court naming Oliver, Barnaby, Centurion Case detail
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that Wellpath's lawsuit was filed in Fulton County Superior Court and named GDC Commissioner Tyrone Oliver, DOAS deputy commissioner Jim Barnaby, and Centurion of Georgia as respondents.
Centurion completed 39,379 dental services in FY25 Statistic
GDC's FY2025 Annual Report states Centurion provides dental services and completed 39,379 services during FY25 by licensed dentists and hygienists.
39,379 dental services
Source
SCHR: 21 murders and 19 suicides June 2020-Sept 2021 Statistic
The Southern Center for Human Rights reported that from June 2020 to September 2021 there were 21 murders and 19 suicides in Georgia prisons.
21 murders vs. 19 suicides
GDC 2016 Hepatitis C policy update Policy
GDC updated its Hepatitis C treatment policy in August 2016, recognizing a new class of HCV antiviral drugs, requiring a FibroSure test instead of a liver biopsy, and creating three priority levels for treatment with medication generally reserved for Priority 1 patients.
BJS: Georgia state prisoner deaths by year 2015-2019 Statistic
The Bureau of Justice Statistics' Mortality in State and Federal Prisons statistical tables report deaths of Georgia state prisoners by calendar year as 131 in 2015, 133 in 2016, 173 in 2017, 163 in 2018, and 157 in 2019.
157 deaths (2019) vs. 131 deaths in 2015
GDC healthcare contract has three separately bid statewide components Policy
GDC Assistant Commissioner of Health Services Randy Sauls told the Senate Study Committee that GDC's healthcare contract has three primary components with separately established RFPs: physical healthcare, dental and mental care, and pharmacy, each as single, state-wide contracts.
Pew: total state prison health care spending, fiscal 2015 Statistic
Pew's report states that states spent $8.1 billion on prison health care in fiscal 2015, probably about a fifth of overall prison expenditures.
$8.1B
Source
O.C.G.A. § 42-5-55: chronic-illness medications exempt from account deductions Legal fact
O.C.G.A. § 42-5-55 excludes medication prescribed for treatment of a chronic illness from costs deductible from an inmate's account, defining 'chronic illness' to include hypertension, diabetes, pulmonary illness, a seizure disorder, AIDS, cancer, tuberculosis, hepatitis C, rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder, and renal disease.
Decomposing body found two days after death at Valdosta Case detail
In one instance at Valdosta State Prison it took two days before the decomposing body of a prisoner was found, according to the Southern Center for Human Rights' letter.
Jerry Lackey death after missed 15-minute checks at ASMP Case detail
Jerry Lackey was found hanging in his cell in the mental health unit at Augusta State Medical Prison; one evening in 2020, the only officer available in that unit was needed elsewhere, and the required 15-minute checks did not happen.
Eleventh Circuit en banc holds deliberate-indifference plaintiff must show actual awareness Legal fact
The Eleventh Circuit sitting en banc in Wade v. McDade held that to show subjective recklessness as used in criminal law, a deliberate-indifference plaintiff must demonstrate that the defendant was actually aware that his own conduct caused a substantial risk of serious harm to the plaintiff, and remanded to the panel for application of this standard.
FY2025 Health program budget: $405,134,602 (22.0%) Statistic
GDC's Amended FY2025 'Appropriations and Budget by Program' lists Health at $405,134,602, 22.0% of the budget.
$405.1M vs. 22 percent of total budget
Source
Roderick Hayes killed at ASMP after guard allowed attack Case detail
The Augusta Press reported that Roderick Hayes, 29, died at ASMP after a guard allowed Hayes and two other inmates into a cell with the intention of attacking the man inside, but the targeted victim fought back and killed Hayes.
Over 400 inmates completed hepatitis C drug treatment by July 2018 Statistic
More than 400 inmates in Georgia's prisons had completed the drug treatment for hepatitis C, according to state officials, as reported in a July 20, 2018 article.
400 inmates
BJS Table 16: Georgia state prisoner deaths by cause, cumulative Statistic
The Bureau of Justice Statistics' Mortality in State and Federal Prisons report (Table 16) records 2,369 total ('all causes') deaths of Georgia state prisoners, including 780 heart disease deaths, 597 cancer deaths, 125 liver disease deaths, 83 AIDS-related deaths, 187 respiratory disease deaths, 300 all-other-illness deaths, 145 suicides, 12 drug/alcohol intoxication deaths, 22 accidents, and 89 homicides. Note: the listed cause categories sum to 2,340, not 2,369.
2,369 deaths (all causes)
GDC pays for all inmate healthcare except pharmaceutical copays; inability to pay does not bar pharmacy care Policy
Assistant Commissioner Randy Sauls told the Senate Study Committee that GDC pays for all inmate healthcare services while in custody aside from co-pays related to pharmaceuticals, and that ability to pay does not prevent an inmate from receiving pharmacy care.
Pew: typical state per-inmate health care spending, fiscal 2015 Statistic
Pew's 'Prison Health Care: Costs and Quality' report states that in fiscal 2015 the typical state department of corrections spent $5,720 per inmate to provide health care services including medical, dental, mental health, and substance use treatment.
$5,720
Source
O.C.G.A. § 42-5-55: medical deductions do not relieve state of duty to provide treatment Legal fact
O.C.G.A. § 42-5-55 provides that deductions to defray medical treatment costs shall in no way relieve the governmental unit, agency, or subdivision having physical custody of an inmate from furnishing needed medical treatment.
SCHR 14-page letter warns of 'humanitarian disaster' at Valdosta Finding
The Southern Center for Human Rights sent a 14-page letter to Georgia Department of Corrections officials warning of a 'humanitarian disaster unfolding at Valdosta State Prison' and said the facility's conditions are illegal and violate the U.S. Constitution.
Lackey found hanging April 8, 2020 at ASMP Case detail
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that Jerry Lackey, 39, was found hanging in the mental health unit at Augusta State Medical Prison early in the morning on April 8, 2020, after spending 10 years in prison for an armed robbery in Conyers, a robbery in Winder and an attempted robbery in Monroe.
Physician at Augusta State Medical Prison warned staffing shortage increased risk of mistakes and delayed care Finding
Prison Legal News reported that a physician at Augusta State Medical Prison, Dr. Taylor, said the staffing shortage was resulting in increased risk of mistakes and delayed care, pointing to wound care.
November 2021 Board presentation on Healthcare Transition Update Policy
At a Board of Corrections meeting, GDC's Office of Health Services presented a Healthcare Transition Update discussing Pharmacy - Correct Rx, Wellpath - Transition Phase 1, and the Mental Health Expansion, including the Wellpath Healthcare Provider timeline for Phase 1 and Assumption of Operations.
Officer Daniel Farmer charged October 2022 Case detail
The Augusta Press reported that in October 2022, ASMP Officer Daniel Farmer was criminally charged with helping a convicted killer assault another inmate at the facility.
DOJ report included 13 pages of remedial recommendations and 49-day lawsuit warning Legal fact
The DOJ findings report on Georgia prisons included 13 pages of recommended short- and long-term remedial measures and stated the Attorney General may file a lawsuit to correct the problems in 49 days.
Benjamin v. Oliver permanent injunction and class certification signed 12/3/2025 Legal fact
The order in Benjamin v. Oliver granting permanent injunction and class certification was signed by Judge Victoria M. Calvert on 12/3/2025. The court granted plaintiffs' motion to certify class and motion for permanent injunction and partial summary judgment, denied the State Defendants' motion for partial summary judgment on the merits, and certified final judgment as to plaintiffs' and class members' § 1983 claims for injunctive relief stemming from enforcement of S.B. 185's prohibitions on hormone therapy.
Federal Medicaid funds barred for most services to inmates of public institutions Legal fact
Federal law prohibits the use of federal Medicaid funds to pay for nearly all services for an inmate of a public institution regardless of Medicaid eligibility, but states may receive federal Medicaid funds for services provided to individuals who receive inpatient hospital services during incarceration.
Senate Study Committee first recommendation: increase mental health services for inmates and staff Policy
The Senate Study Committee's first recommendation in its final report was increasing mental health services available to the incarcerated population and staff, and increasing availability of counselors and mental health care for officers, staff, and the incarcerated through the RFP process.
Pew: median real per-inmate health care spending change, FY2010-FY2015 Trend
Pew's 'Prison Health Care: Costs and Quality' report states that from fiscal 2010 to 2015, real per-inmate health care spending rose by a median of 2 percent across state departments of correction.
Source
O.C.G.A. § 42-4-71: county jail medical co-pay capped at $5 per occurrence Legal fact
O.C.G.A. § 42-4-71, governing county detention facilities, caps the deduction from an inmate's account for inmate-requested medical treatment at $5.00 per occurrence and bars the fee when the account balance is $10.00 or less.
Valdosta cells: mold, vermin, >100°F, no A/C, sewage Finding
The SCHR letter said cells at Valdosta State Prison are infested with mold and vermin, temperatures can exceed 100 degrees with no air conditioning, and a 'shocking number' of cells are without functioning sinks or toilets with floors covered with waste and sewage.
Eleventh Circuit affirmed qualified immunity in Wade v. McDade Legal fact
On December 23, 2024, a panel of the Eleventh Circuit affirmed the grant of qualified immunity to defendant officials with the Georgia Department of Corrections in the claim of a now-dead Georgia prisoner, David Henegar, who suffered epileptic seizures and injury after his medication was withheld at Walker State Prison.
Eleventh Circuit affirms judgment against Betty Wade after en banc remand Legal fact
After the en banc Eleventh Circuit remanded Wade v. McDade to the panel, the court of appeals issued a non-published opinion affirming the judgment against appellant Betty Wade.
GDC skipped RFP for Centurion contract, citing emergency procurement under 2021 bid Policy
Georgia Public Broadcasting reported that in the Centurion switch, the Georgia Department of Corrections did not post a request for proposal, something state agencies are normally required to do if services will cost over $100,000, and instead the agency was given permission to sign with Centurion under the same bid from 2021, citing the need for an emergency procurement.
FY2023: Centurion provides mental health services; all facilities have on-site access Policy
GDC's FY2023 Annual Report states GDC partners with Centurion for the provision of mental health services, and that all GDC facilities have a mental health mission with on-site access to mental health services.
Source
ASMP civil rights lawsuit settled 2022 Legal fact
The Augusta Press reported that a civil rights lawsuit against the state of Georgia over conditions inside Augusta State Medical Prison was settled in 2022, following the DOJ's announcement that it would investigate allegations that prison officials had abandoned their duties.
Jury awards $20,000 against Lewis and $1 against Ferrell in Johnson HCV case Case detail
After a three-day jury trial, Ricky Johnson's pro bono legal team won $20,000 in damages for the claim against GDC Statewide Medical Director Dr. Sharon Lewis and $1 for the claim against Dr. Thomas Ferrell in his hepatitis C medical-care lawsuit.
Court question on Eighth Amendment for pre-SB 185 hormone therapy recipients Legal fact
The district court in Benjamin v. Oliver directed the parties to address whether the Eighth Amendment analysis differs for persons who were already receiving hormone replacement therapy, as the term is defined in SB 185, prior to the date of SB 185's effectiveness.
Roberson acquitted of falsifying logbook charge in ASMP fire death case Case detail
WRDW reported that Roberson was also acquitted of a separate charge of falsifying a logbook to cover up misconduct, in connection with the ASMP inmate fire death case.
Senate Study Committee third recommendation: audit five years of contract renewals for runaway costs Policy
The Senate Study Committee's third recommendation was asking the Georgia Department of Audits to review all contract renewals for the past five years to see if there is a pattern of runaway costs by any vendors.
Pew: state per-inmate health care spending range, fiscal 2015 Statistic
Pew's 'Prison Health Care: Costs and Quality' report states that in fiscal 2015 the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation spent $19,796 per inmate on health care while Louisiana's corrections department spent $2,173 per inmate.
$19,796 vs. 2,173 Louisiana per-inmate spending
Source
FY2016: offender health care was GDC's second-largest budget program Finding
GDC's FY2016 annual report states that offender healthcare was the second largest budget program within the agency and that GDC contracted with Georgia Correctional HealthCare (GCHC), a division of Georgia Regents University, to provide medical care to the offender population.
Pearson v. Augusta State Medical Prison §2241 petition dismissed Legal fact
Pearson v. Augusta State Medical Prison, a habeas corpus petition under 28 U.S.C. § 2241 in the Southern District of Georgia, was dismissed without prejudice by the district court on August 7, 2025, denying a certificate of appealability.
Wade v. McDade citation Legal fact
Prison Legal News cites the case as Wade v. McDade, 2024 U.S. App. LEXIS 32496 (11th Cir.), decided 2024.
GDC officials denied and defied DOJ report, hindered investigation Finding
Prison Legal News reported that GDC officials responded to the DOJ report with denial and defiance, and also blocked access to government documents and generally hindered the investigation, according to the DOJ.
Wellpath alleged it did not get fair chance to negotiate before $2.4 billion Centurion deal Legal fact
Wellpath alleged in its complaint that GDC signed a $2.4 billion deal with Centurion without giving Wellpath a fair chance to negotiate a new contract.
FY2023 Health program budget: $260,284,197 Statistic
GDC's Appropriations and Budget by Program table lists Health at $260,284,197 for FY2023.
$260.3M
Source
Jerry Merritt fatal stabbing details Case detail
WRDW reported that the arrest warrant states Trimier assaulted Merritt with a sharpened object, causing a stab wound to the left side of Merritt's chest and shoulder, and that GDC officials said Merritt was sentenced to life without parole for murder out of Muscogee County.
GDC facilities provide about 70 medical appointments per day per facility Statistic
GDC facilities provide about 70 medical appointments per day per facility from within the facilities, not including outside visits to nearby medical facilities, and the state's correctional facilities administer about 100,000 prescription medications per month.
70 appointments per day per facility
Centurion of Georgia corporate parentage Finding
In the Benjamin v. Oliver certificate of interested persons, plaintiffs identified Centurion of Georgia, LLC as a wholly owned subsidiary of MHM Services, Inc., which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Centurion Equity, Inc.
Inmate Roderick Hayes, 29, killed in altercation at ASMP in May 2024 Case detail
WRDW reported that in May 2024, inmate Roderick Hayes, 29, serving a 10-year sentence, was killed during an altercation at Augusta State Medical Prison.
SOP 507.04.05 exempts intake, infectious disease, chronic care, prenatal and emergency services from copay Policy
GDC SOP 507.04.05 lists medical services exempt from the copay fee, including intake screening, communicable disease screening, physicals, emergencies, chronic illness clinic encounters, and prenatal/obstetrical visits, and states that medications excluded from copay include HIV, psychotropic, Hepatitis C, antibiotics, and chronic-illness medications.
Pew: Georgia per-inmate health care spending change, Figure 2 Statistic
Pew's 'Prison Health Care: Costs and Quality' report Figure 2 shows Georgia's per-inmate health care spending moved from $3,871 to $3,610, a change of -7%.
-7%
Source
GCHC provided physical, mental health, and dental triad of services Policy
GDC's annual report states the Department contracts with Georgia Correctional HealthCare (GCHC), a division of Georgia Regents University, and that the healthcare triad GCHC provides encompasses physical, mental health and dental needs, with physical and mental health services available 24/7 and dental care through scheduled services.
Edwards v. Augusta State Medical Prison §1983 case dismissed Legal fact
Edwards v. Augusta State Medical Prison, a prisoner civil-rights case under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 in the Southern District of Georgia, was dismissed without prejudice on May 12, 2025 under Fed. R. Civ. P. 41(a)(1)(A)(i).
Appellants in Isis Benjamin v. GDC Commissioner Legal fact
In the 11th Circuit appeal Isis Benjamin v. Commissioner, Georgia Department of Corrections, the appellants are the Assistant Commissioner, Georgia Department of Corrections, the Commissioner, Georgia Department of Corrections, and the Statewide Medical Director.
Understaffing leaves victims of gang violence waiting for guard escort to medical care Finding
Prison Legal News reported that without enough guards to fill critical positions, fewer are available to escort prisoners to outside medical services, leaving victims of gang violence caused by chronic understaffing to bleed out from a treatable stab wound while waiting for a guard escort to emergency medical treatment.
Wellpath alleged it spent $40 million of its own money over three years on constitutional healthcare Legal fact
In the lawsuit, Wellpath alleged that over three years it spent $40 million of its own money to uphold the state's constitutional right to provide prisoners with adequate health care.
FY21: 80+ offenders received Hepatitis-C treatment at $459,193.51 Statistic
In FY21, more than 80 offenders received Hepatitis-C treatment at the expense of $459,193.51.
80 offenders vs. 459,193.5 total cost in dollars
Merritt stabbing time and location Case detail
WRDW reported that, according to the Columbia County sheriff's office, the fatal stabbing of inmate Jerry Merritt by John Jaquis Trimier at Augusta State Medical Prison happened between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Jan. 20.
GDC administers about 100,000 prescription medications per month Statistic
The state's correctional facilities administer about 100,000 prescription medications per month, whether in the form of keep-on-person blister packs, pill call, supervised nursing, or otherwise depending on type of medication.
100,000 prescriptions per month
Benjamin v. Oliver plaintiffs filed complaint with class certification and injunction motions Case detail
In Benjamin v. Oliver, plaintiffs Fantasia Horton, Naeomi Madison, John Doe, Isis Benjamin and Brynn Wilson filed a complaint together with motions for provisional class certification and for a preliminary injunction.
Nursing assistant Janette Shields arrested Feb. 24 for alleged battery of disabled inmate Bruce Smith at ASMP Case detail
Janette Shields, a 67-year-old nursing assistant from Augusta, was arrested on Feb. 24 for charges of simple battery and exploitation of an elderly or disabled person, after allegedly striking inmate Bruce Smith at Augusta State Medical Prison.
SOP 507.04.05 guarantees care regardless of ability to pay Policy
GDC SOP 507.04.05 states offenders will not be denied medical care regardless of ability to pay for medical services or medications.
Pew data gap: Georgia health care spending categories did not sum to total Data gap
Pew's state data notes state that Georgia's disaggregation of health care spending by category did not sum to the state's reported total health care expenditures.
Source
FY2016 GDC Health program budget: $207,780,194 (17.1% of budget) Statistic
GDC's FY2016 Annual Operating Budget 'Breakdown by Program' lists Health at $207,780,194, or 17.1% of the budget.
$207.8M vs. 17.1 percent of total budget
Oral argument in Isis Benjamin v. GDC Commissioner Legal fact
The appeal in Isis Benjamin v. Commissioner, Georgia Department of Corrections at the Eleventh Circuit involved oral argument presented by counsel for the Commissioner, Statewide Medical Director and Assistant Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Corrections as Appellants, and for Appellees John Doe, Isis Benjamin, Fantasia Horton, Naeomi Madison and Brynn Wilson.
Senate Study Committee recommends increasing mental health services and auditing contract renewals Policy
The Georgia Senate's Supporting Safety and Welfare of All Individuals in Department of Corrections Study Committee recommended increasing mental health services for incarcerated people and staff, increasing availability of counselors and mental health care through the RFP process, and asking the Georgia Department of Audits to review all contract renewals for the past five years to identify patterns of runaway costs by vendors.
Wellpath provided Georgia prison healthcare since 2021 and sent nonrenewal notice Case detail
Wellpath has been providing healthcare in Georgia state prisons since 2021, and sent a notice of nonrenewal the prior year, saying it intended to cease service by that summer.
FY2021 physical health contract covered 60 facilities and 45,000+ offenders Statistic
GDC's offender physical health contract, as reported in the FY2021 annual report, covered 60 facilities and more than 45,000 offenders.
60 facilities vs. 45,000 offenders covered
DOJ: CO vacancy ~50% systemwide, >70% at ten largest facilities Statistic
The DOJ report states GDC's correctional officer vacancy rate was around 50% systemwide and over 70% at ten of the largest facilities.
50% vs. 70 percent at ten largest facilities
About 14,000 inmates have identified mental health conditions Statistic
GDC Commissioner Tyrone Oliver told the Senate Study Committee that about 14,000 inmates system-wide have identified mental health conditions.
14,000 inmates
Eleventh Circuit dismisses state appeal as moot Legal fact
The Eleventh Circuit dismissed as moot the state defendants' appeal of the preliminary injunction in Isis Benjamin v. Commissioner, Georgia Department of Corrections following the district court's December 3 order and judgment.
Roberson and Phillips acquitted June 3, 2026 in ASMP inmate fire death Case detail
On June 3, 2026, former Augusta State Medical Prison guards Robert Roberson and Marcus Phillips were found not guilty in connection with the inmate's death, with Roberson also acquitted of a charge of falsifying a logbook to cover up misconduct.
Copay disputes must be appealed within five working days; self-initiated charges otherwise not grievable Policy
GDC SOP 507.04.05 provides that charges for self-initiated medical or dental treatment cannot be grieved except through a dispute of charges that must be submitted within five working days following the date service was rendered.
GDC response to DOJ Notice Letter Finding
GDC's statement responding to the DOJ Notice Letter said the agency was 'extremely disappointed' and that 'the State of Georgia's prison system operates in a manner exceeding the requirements of the United States Constitution,' contrary to DOJ's allegations.
AJC: GDC prisoner deaths by calendar year, 2015-2024 Trend
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, charting Georgia Department of Corrections data, reported GDC prisoner deaths by calendar year as 143 in 2015, 138 in 2016, 175 in 2017, 175 in 2018, 160 in 2019, 281 in 2020, 257 in 2021, 255 in 2022, 262 in 2023, and 332 in 2024.
Wellpath chosen 2021; GCHC/Augusta University held contract 23 years prior Policy
Wellpath was chosen as GDC's medical provider in 2021 when the agency decided to privatize its healthcare, after Georgia Correctional HealthCare (a division of Augusta University) had been the prison system's medical provider for the previous 23 years.
SCHR participated in 2016 lawsuit over sepsis death due to lack of medical staff Case detail
In testimony to the Georgia Senate Study Committee, the Southern Center for Human Rights' deputy director stated the Center participated in a 2016 lawsuit arising in part from a lack of medical staff to address an individual who died of sepsis at a GDC facility.
45% increase in inpatient admissions for illness or injuries from 2016 to 2020 Trend
Documents included in Wellpath's original 2021 contract provided by the Georgia Department of Corrections show a 45% increase in inpatient admissions for illness or injuries from 2016 to 2020 across state prisons.
FY2021 Health program budget: $251,946,510 Statistic
GDC's Amended FY2021 'Appropriations by Program' lists Health at $251,946,510.
$251.9M
DOJ: medical staff barred from housing unit after stabbing, man died Case detail
The DOJ report describes a case in which medical personnel were not permitted to enter a housing unit after a stabbing/assault due to insufficient security staff, after which the incarcerated man died.
Randy Sauls identified as GDC Assistant Commissioner of Health Services Finding
GDC's Assistant Commissioner of Health Services introduced at a Senate Study Committee meeting was Randy Sauls.
2014 DOAA audit did not examine quality of care Methodology note
The Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts' review of GDC's inmate health contract states that the review did not examine the quality of care provided through the contract.
Inmate Amos Huff died in apparent homicide at ASMP on March 30, 2023 Case detail
WRDW/WAGT reported that on March 30, 2023, inmate Amos Huff died in an apparent homicide at Augusta State Medical Prison.
GDC medical copay is $5 per self-initiated visit or new medication, with $10 account floor Policy
GDC SOP 507.04.05 "Charges to Offender Accounts for Health Care Provided" sets a $5.00 medical copay per self-initiated visit and per new copay-eligible medication, and bars deduction when the account balance would fall below $10.00.
DOJ findings report recommended 82 remedial measures Finding
DOJ's findings report recommended 82 remedial measures for GDC to implement 'at minimum,' addressing staffing, supervision, incident response, investigations, contraband, facility conditions, and classification and housing.
Record 332 GDC prison deaths in 2024; 2020 record included 72 COVID deaths Statistic
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that prison deaths in GDC facilities reached a record 332 in 2024, and that the previous record year, 2020, included 72 prisoners who died of COVID; totals have remained high since.
332 deaths vs. 72 COVID deaths in 2020
GDC-Wellpath contract: nine one-year renewal options, 364-day exit Policy
The GDC-Wellpath contract called for nine one-year options for renewal, with Wellpath able to walk away at any time with 364 days' notice.
Gumm SMU settlement final approval May 7, 2019 Legal fact
The Court issued its Final Order and Permanent Injunction in the Gumm SMU settlement on May 7, 2019, which certified the settlement class and granted final approval of the settlement agreement.
Health Services Division FTE count: 26 in FY20, 24 in FY21, 24 in FY22 Statistic
GDC's fiscal-year annual report lists the Health Services Division's end-of-fiscal-year full-time-employee count as 26 in FY20, 24 in FY21, and 24 in FY22.
24 FTE vs. 26 FY20
Source
Systemwide vacancy of around 480 healthcare providers by 2020 Statistic
By 2020, a systemwide vacancy of around 480 healthcare providers left some Georgia prisons without a medical director or enough nurses to meet need, according to documents from Wellpath's original 2021 contract provided by GDC.
480 healthcare provider vacancies
Augusta State Medical Prison hospital: 60 inpatient beds, specialty/surgical/tertiary care Policy
Augusta State Medical Prison's hospital provides specialty and surgical procedures, tertiary inpatient care, dialysis, pain management, palliative care, specialty evaluations and ancillary services through Georgia DOC staff, Georgia Regents Medical Center and contractors, with inpatient care provided in 60 beds for both acute care and long-term care.
GDC homicides 2018-2023 per mortality reports Statistic
According to GDC mortality reports cited in the DOJ report, GDC prisons had 7 homicides in 2018, 13 in 2019, 28 in 2020, 28 in 2021, 31 in 2022, and 35 in 2023.
35 homicides vs. 7 homicides in 2018
SCHR participated in 2016 lawsuit over sepsis death tied to lack of medical staff Case detail
A Southern Center for Human Rights representative told the Georgia Senate DOC Study Committee the center participated in a 2016 lawsuit arising in part from a lack of medical staff to address an individual who died of sepsis.
FY2008 GCHC physical health expenditure exceeded contract by $15 million Statistic
DOAA found GDC's contract amount for inmate health care did not always match GCHC's actual expenses: in fiscal year 2008 GCHC expended approximately $178 million for physical health care while the contract covered $163 million, a $15 million deficit.
$15M vs. 178 FY2008 GCHC expenditure (millions)
Inmate Ali Tanner killed at ASMP on July 2, 2021 while serving life without parole Case detail
WRDW/WAGT reported that on July 2, 2021, inmate Ali Tanner was killed at Augusta State Medical Prison while serving a life sentence without parole for murder.
Chronic illness copay exemption requires Problem List designation and encounter at least every six months Policy
GDC SOP 507.04.05 exempts chronic illness care from the medical copay where the condition is listed as chronic on the Problem List by a physician or advanced clinical provider and requires, in the provider's opinion, a clinical encounter a minimum of every six months.
No formal DOJ-GDC resolution as of February 22, 2025 Legal fact
As of February 22, 2025, DOJ and the State of Georgia had not reached a formal resolution to resolve GDC's allegedly unlawful practices identified in the findings report.
Board of Corrections: GDC, Wellpath, Centurion collaborating on MOUD/MAT access under DOJ guidance Policy
At a January 2023 Board of Corrections meeting, Assistant Commissioner Randy Sauls concluded his Office of Health Services update by discussing GDC, Wellpath, and Centurion collaborating to assure that individuals covered under DOJ guidance are provided access to MOUD and/or MAT and/or behavioral health interventions and treatment.
Gumm filed lawsuit February 12, 2015 Legal fact
Timothy Gumm, then an inmate held in GDC's Special Management Unit, filed a federal lawsuit on February 12, 2015 challenging unconstitutional conditions and practices in the SMU's Tier III Program.
Physical healthcare delivered at 60 facilities to over 46,000 offenders with $185M contract Statistic
GDC's FY2022 Annual Report states that physical healthcare was delivered at 60 state facilities, to more than 46,000 offenders, with a $185,038,040 physical health care contract amount.
$185.0M USD
Source
ASMP provides centralized acute, specialized medical and Level IV mental health services Policy
GDC's facility page describes ASMP's mission as providing "centralized acute, specialized medical and Level IV Mental Health services for male and female offenders primarily as transient," including housing "severe medical cases."
FY2014 Health budget: $188,966,904 (15.81%) Statistic
GDC's FY2014 Annual Report budget breakdown lists 'Health' at $188,966,904, 15.81% of the FY2014 budget.
$189.0M vs. 15.8 percent of FY2014 budget
DOJ: 18 confirmed or suspected homicides Jan-May 2024 Statistic
DOJ's report states that in the first five months of 2024 there were 18 confirmed or suspected homicides in GDC custody, based on GDC's reported homicide totals and other documentation.
18 homicides
Private prison medical costs capped; GDC pays for expensive care Policy
GDC told the Senate Study Committee that medical costs attributed to private prison facilities are capped, and that when an individual requires more expensive care, it is paid for by the Department.
Physical and total healthcare cost per inmate stable since FY2003 Statistic
DOAA found that physical healthcare cost per inmate had been stable near $3,500 and total healthcare cost per inmate around $4,000 going back to fiscal year 2003.
$3,500 vs. 4,000 total healthcare cost per inmate per year
Whittle v. Southern Correctional Medicine: Dynamic Mobile Dentistry dismissed for failure to state §1983 claim Legal fact
In Whittle v. Southern Correctional Medicine, the court dismissed Dynamic Mobile Dentistry on the ground that the plaintiff failed to state a claim of Section 1983 liability for its dental treatment of the plaintiff, and the case proceeded on the plaintiff's medical deliberate-indifference claim against Southern Correctional Medicine d/b/a Genesys Healthcare Alliance, LLC.
Full list of copay-exempt services under SOP 507.04.05 Policy
GDC SOP 507.04.05 exempts from the co-pay fee: intake screening/diagnostic process; communicable disease screening and treatment for tuberculosis, HIV or other serious infectious disease; physicals or other required periodic exams; follow-up care deemed medically necessary; examination following use of force; chronic care illness enrolled in a Chronic Illness clinic; pre-natal and obstetrical visits; and emergencies.
Doe v. GDC preliminary injunction on gender-affirming items, April 17, 2024 Legal fact
On 4/17/2024 the district court in Doe v. Georgia Department of Corrections granted in part Jane Doe's motion for preliminary injunction, ordering defendants to provide Plaintiff access to breast and buttock padding and hair removal cream until hormone replacement therapy had the intended impact, and to provide status updates about Plaintiff's surgical consultation.
2007 DOAA: OHS did not perform executive mortality reviews; only 30 of 233 deaths reviewed Finding
DOAA's 2007 Special Examination found that OHS does not perform executive mortality reviews of inmate deaths and is unable to locate medical files for many deceased inmates; OHS's review of files for calendar years 2005 and 2006 revealed only 30 of 233 deaths (excluding executions) had evidence a mortality review was performed.
Ashley Diamond settlement payment Legal fact
In the Ashley Diamond v. Owens case (SPLC lawsuit over denial of medically necessary transgender health care and hormone therapy in a Georgia men's prison), the Georgia Department of Corrections agreed, as part of a settlement, to pay Diamond an undisclosed financial settlement.
FY22 Health program budget: $247,756,340 Statistic
GDC's FY22 Appropriations and Budget by Program lists Health at $247,756,340.
$247.8M USD
Source
ASMP is a 95-bed acute care hospital staffed by 500 Augusta University personnel Statistic
GDC's facility page states ASMP is "a 95-bed acute care hospital" staffed by "500 Augusta University employees, faculty and staff, and contractors" who provide care to offenders from throughout the state of Georgia.
95 beds vs. 500 Augusta University staff and contractors
FY2007 inmate healthcare: direct care $61.5, budget $195,177,486, 53,863 inmates Statistic
GDC's FY2014 Annual Report 'Inmate Healthcare Costs' table lists, for fiscal year 2007: Direct Care (Expenditures) 61.5, Budget 195,177,486, Inmates 53,863.
$195.2M vs. 53,863 inmates
Georgia 2019 prison homicide rate 34 per 100,000 vs national 12 Statistic
The DOJ report states that Georgia's prison homicide rate in 2019 was almost triple the national average: 34 per 100,000 people in Georgia versus a national average of 12 per 100,000 in state prisons.
34 per 100,000 people vs. 12 national average per 100,000
Augusta handles severe medical transfers, dialysis, and oral surgery Policy
GDC told the Senate Study Committee that Augusta handles a significant number of transfers for severe medical services, dialysis, and oral surgery, and that dentists are located in most facilities as part of a healthcare contract.
GDC began contracting with Medical College of Georgia in July 1997 Policy
The Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts found that in July 1997, the Georgia Department of Corrections began contracting with the Medical College of Georgia (now known as Georgia Regent's University) to provide physical health care services, and that GRU created the Georgia Correctional HealthCare (GCHC) unit to operate the contract.
Whittle v. Southern Correctional Medicine: summary judgment granted to Genesys and DMD, case closed Legal fact
In Whittle v. Southern Correctional Medicine, the court granted summary judgment to Southern Correctional Medicine, LLC and directed the clerk to enter final judgment in favor of both Genesys and DMD, closing the civil action.
HIV, psychotropic, Hepatitis C, antibiotic and chronic-illness medications excluded from copay Policy
GDC SOP 507.04.05 excludes HIV, psychotropic, Hepatitis C, antibiotics, and medications used to treat chronic illnesses from co-pay charges.
Sealed exhibit in Doe v. GDC was a letter to Centurion Health Case detail
In Doe v. Georgia Department, an exhibit filed under seal in support of Jane Doe's motion for preliminary injunction was described as a letter to Centurion Health.
2007 DOAA: 86 of 203 files on deceased inmates could not be located Data gap
DOAA's report found that an evaluator's annual report correctly states that 86 of 203 files on deceased inmates could not be located at the time of the audit.
Centurion re-awarded mental and dental contract Policy
Centurion, contracted in Georgia as MHM Correctional Services, LLC, was re-awarded a contract commencing July 1, 2019 with nine annual renewal options to continue providing mental and dental health services to the Georgia Department of Corrections; the original contract began in 1997 and was held by MHM Correctional Services, Inc.
GDC re-bid mental and dental health contract to Centurion, adding ITF services Policy
GDC's FY2019 Annual Report states that the agency re-bid and awarded its mental and dental health contract to Centurion, including adding provision of mental health services at GDC's two Integrated Treatment Facilities; the existing mental health services contract was approaching 20 years.
ASMP 95 beds broken down by unit type Statistic
GDC's facility page lists ASMP's 95 hospital beds as Acute Care Infirmaries (2x20 beds), a Long Term Care Infirmary (20 beds), a Pre and Post-OP Infirmary (15 beds), and an Accommodative Living Unit (20 beds).
95 beds
FY2014 inmate healthcare: direct care $49.4, budget $202,249,867, 50,830 inmates Statistic
GDC's FY2014 Annual Report 'Inmate Healthcare Costs' table lists, for fiscal year 2014: Direct Care (Expenditures) 49.4, Budget 202,249,867, Inmates 50,830.
$202.2M vs. 50,830 inmates
GDC September 2023 board deck: 38 homicides, 40 suicides prior FY Statistic
The DOJ report states that GDC's own September 2023 slide deck to the State Board of Corrections acknowledged 38 homicides and 40 suicides of people in GDC custody in the previous fiscal year.
38 homicides vs. 40 suicides
FY2009 GCHC contract surplus of $7 million Statistic
The Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts reported that in fiscal year 2009, GCHC expended $171 million while the contract was $178 million, a $7 million surplus.
$7M vs. 171 FY2009 GCHC expenditure (millions)
NCCHC does not release lists of accredited facilities or confirm individual accreditation Policy
NCCHC's own accreditation FAQ page states that by policy, NCCHC does not release lists of all correctional facilities accredited by NCCHC, nor can it respond to inquiries as to whether a given facility is accredited.
Transitional Center offenders charged $10 copay Policy
GDC SOP 507.04.05 sets a $10.00 co-pay for Transitional Center offenders, in accordance with SOP 507.04.02, Transitional Center Health Services.
Eleventh Circuit dismisses Doe appeal as moot after federal transfer Legal fact
The Eleventh Circuit dismissed the GDC defendants' appeal of the preliminary injunction in Jane Doe v. Georgia Department of Corrections as moot after Doe was transferred to federal custody, because the preliminary injunction had also expired.
GDC response: 41 of 86 misplaced deceased-inmate files located to date Finding
The State Auditor's report found 86 of 203 files on deceased inmates could not be located at the time of the audit, and GDC's response stated that 41 of the 86 misplaced files had been located to date; GDC also reported approval to contract with an external reviewer for mortality reviews.
Centurion serves over 30 facilities, ADP nearly 52,000 Statistic
Under the Centurion contract, Centurion provides mental and dental health services on site at over 30 Georgia state prison facilities, for a Georgia Department of Corrections system with an average daily population of nearly 52,000 inmates.
52,000 inmates
GDC cared for ~200 Hepatitis C patients and ~830 HIV patients annually (FY2019) Statistic
As reported in GDC's FY2019 annual report, GDC cared for approximately 200 Hepatitis C patients each year and provided about $3.5 million in Hepatitis C medications, while also caring for approximately 830 offenders with HIV and providing around $14.7 million in HIV medications annually.
200 patients vs. 830 HIV patients
ASMP services include hospital, surgery, dialysis, hospice, and mental health treatment units Policy
GDC's facility page lists ASMP's services as including Hospital, Surgery Center, Multi-specialty Clinic, Special Mental Health Treatment Units (Dementia and Traumatic Brain injury, SMI with Severe Personality Disorder, Seriously Mentally Ill), Dialysis, Dental, Skilled Nursing Care, Hospice, Inpatient Care, Pre/Post op, Sleep Studies, and TB.
FY2017 Health program budget: $249,289,549 Statistic
GDC's FY2017 adjusted annual operating budget 'Appropriation by Program' lists Health at $249,289,549.
$249.3M
Transgender woman died by suicide after DOJ interview at Coastal State Prison Case detail
DOJ's report describes a transgender woman with a diagnosis of gender dysphoria and a history of mental health issues who died of an apparent suicide shortly after DOJ interviewed her at Coastal State Prison in fall 2022.
Approximately 45,000 inmates (89%) receive healthcare through GCHC contract Statistic
The Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts reported that approximately 45,000 (89%) inmates receive healthcare services through the GCHC contract.
45,000 inmates vs. 89 percent of inmates
Dr. Timothy Young: ASMP healthcare hindered by black mold, officer shortage, 1,000-request medical backlog Finding
Dr. Timothy Young, a physician at Augusta State Medical Prison, described the healthcare system there as having problems including black mold, a shortage of security officers, and a backlog of a thousand requests for medical care.
SOP 507.04.05 effective date 02/02/2022 Policy
GDC SOP 507.04.05 (Charges to Offender Accounts for Health Care Provided) is dated effective 02/02/2022.
Eleventh Circuit appeal stemmed from gender-affirming care injunction Legal fact
The Eleventh Circuit's appeal in Jane Doe v. Georgia Department of Corrections stemmed from a preliminary injunction that required prison officials to provide Jane Doe breast and buttock padding and hair-removal cream while incarcerated in a state prison, and the court dismissed the appeal as moot after Doe was transferred to federal custody.
Harris v. GDC remained pending after June 2025 settlement conference Case detail
As of the latest docket entries, Harris v. Georgia Department of Corrections remained pending with no case-terminating order, after numerous settlement conferences were held through June 2025 and new counsel for GDC entered appearances in November 2025.
Wellpath lawsuit: $2.4B Centurion contract awarded without competitive process Case detail
GDC awarded a $2.4 billion contract for health care in the prison system to a new company without the competitive process required under state law, according to a lawsuit by the present contractor Wellpath.
SOP 507.04.28 chronic care monitoring frequency Policy
GDC SOP 507.04.28 (Chronic Care) sets the default frequency for monitoring patients in the Chronic Illness Clinic (CIC) program at every six months, with patients whose chronic disease is poorly controlled seen no less frequently than once a month.
FY2019 Amended Appropriations Health budget: $238,866,183 Statistic
GDC's Amended Appropriations by Program table lists Health at a budget of $238,866,183.
$238.9M USD
ASMP mental health population approximately 602 offenders with 35 CSU beds Statistic
GDC's facility page states ASMP's mental health population is "approximately 602 offenders" with Crisis Stabilization Unit beds totaling 35 (1x20 beds and 1x15 beds).
602 offenders vs. 35 CSU beds
FY2018 Health program budget: $238,206,280 Statistic
GDC's FY2018 'Appropriation by Program' table lists Health at $238,206,280.
$238.2M
Woman died by suicide in isolation day after request to move rejected Case detail
The DOJ report describes a woman who filed PREA complaints and asked to be moved from isolation; her request was rejected, and she died by suicide in the isolation unit the next day.
Valdosta State Prison population 1,013 on June 1, 2026 Statistic
On June 1, 2026, there were 1,013 people incarcerated at Valdosta State Prison.
1,013 people
GCHC staffing composition and 19% vacancy rate Statistic
The Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts reported that GCHC provided 682 staff for physical health care services, 95 mental health nurses, 4 dental staff, and 211 staff categorized as 'other'; according to GCHC labor reports there was a 19% vacancy rate.
19% vs. 682 physical health care staff
Dr. Young: ASMP operating room offline due to known maintenance issue; short a physician and bed space Finding
Dr. Young said the operating room at Augusta State Medical Prison was offline because of a known maintenance issue, and that the facility was short a physician and bed space.
GDC ACA accreditation process began September 2015; mock audit June 2017 Policy
GDC's ACA accreditation process began in September 2015 with a review of policies and creation of an ACA Policy Coordinator team, and a mock audit was conducted at GDC Central Office and the Georgia Correctional Academy in June 2017.
Trump DOJ withdrew statement of interest supporting transgender Georgia inmate Legal fact
The DOJ under the Trump administration officially withdrew a statement of interest that had supported a transgender woman incarcerated in Georgia's attempt to obtain gender-affirming care and surgery. The DOJ under President Joe Biden issued the statement of interest in the case the prior year.
Oliver v. Centurion dismissed in favor of GDC and Tyrone Oliver (April 2025) Case detail
The court granted the motion to dismiss and dismissed plaintiff's complaint in Oliver v. Centurion of Georgia, L.L.C., entering judgment in favor of the Georgia Department of Corrections and Tyrone Oliver.
GDC awarded health contract to Centurion Health in April Case detail
GDC decided in April to award its health care contract to Virginia-based Centurion Health, conduct the lawsuit calls 'truly unprecedented.'
Victor Walker appointed Interim Warden at ASMP Case detail
GDC announced the appointment of Victor Walker as Interim Warden at Augusta State Medical Prison, per a press release dated 2023-06-08.
GDC contracts with Centurion for comprehensive medical, mental, and dental services statewide Policy
GDC's FY2024 Annual Report states the Department contracts with Centurion to provide comprehensive medical, mental and dental services statewide under a managed care model.
Source
ASMP capacity 1,326, opened 1983, security level Close Statistic
GDC's facility page lists ASMP's capacity as 1,326, opened in 1983, security level Close.
1,326 capacity
Pew: Georgia total correctional health care spending $206.1M (2007) to $208.1M (2011), +1% real Statistic
Pew's 'State Prison Health Care Spending' report Table C.1 lists Georgia's total correctional health care spending as $206,094 thousand in 2007 and $208,103 thousand in 2011, a real change of 1%.
$208,103 vs. 206,094 thousand dollars (2007)
DOJ recommends mortality/morbidity quality assurance reviews Policy
Among its recommended remedial measures, DOJ's report calls for GDC to implement a quality assurance program including complete, interdisciplinary morbidity/mortality reviews of all deaths and attempted suicides, examining for patterns/trends and correcting systemic deficiencies.
As few as 7 officers on duty at Valdosta State Prison in first weekend of June 2026 Statistic
GDC's own staffing reports showed no more than 15, and as few as 7, officers on duty at Valdosta State Prison on any given shift during the first weekend of June 2026, when 1,013 people were incarcerated there.
7 officers vs. 15 maximum officers on duty
GCHC contract amount decreased 7% ($12.5 million) FY2010-FY2014 Statistic
The Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts found the GCHC contract amount decreased by 7% ($12.5 million) between fiscal year 2010 and fiscal year 2014.
$12.5M vs. 7 percent decrease
GDC received ACA accreditation by unanimous vote in January 2018 Policy
GDC received ACA Accreditation, by unanimous vote, for GDC Central Office and Central Training Academy (Georgia Correctional Academy) on January 6 at a hearing held at the 2018 American Correctional Association Winter Conference in Orlando.
GDC SOP 507.04.67 natural-death notification chain Policy
GDC SOP 507.04.67 'Offender Death and Mortality Reviews' requires that following a natural death, the Medical Director or designee will immediately notify the Warden/Superintendent, facility duty officer, and Health Services Administrator.
GDC SOP 507.01.11: requires NCCHC-aligned accreditation via Medical Association of Georgia and ACA accreditation Policy
GDC SOP 507.01.11 'Standards and Accreditation' states that GDC requires accreditation of all state and private prisons through the Medical Association of Georgia as a means of ensuring compliance with NCCHC Standards, and requires accreditation of all state and private prisons by the American Correctional Association (ACA).
Wellpath has provided GDC health care since 2021 Finding
Wellpath, the Nashville-based company that has provided health care for the department since 2021, also asserts that it was blind-sided by the out-of-control violence in Georgia prisons.
Ted Philbin reassigned as ASMP Warden Case detail
GDC announced the reassignment of Ted Philbin to Warden at Augusta State Medical Prison, effective December 1, 2017, per a press release dated 2017-12-15.
Pharmacy expenses 4.5% higher year-over-year in FY24, driven by Hepatitis-C treatment volumes Statistic
GDC partners with CorrectRx for pharmacy services, with orders completed online and delivered same or next day; at the close of FY24, pharmacy expenses were 4.5% higher year-over-year, primarily driven by higher than anticipated Hepatitis-C treatment volumes.
4.5%
Source
ASMP constructed 1982, capacity 1326, opened 1983, Close security Statistic
GDC's own facility page for Augusta State Med. Prison lists it as constructed in 1982 with capacity 1326, opened in 1983, security level Close.
1,326 capacity
Pew: Georgia per-inmate health care spending $3,826 (2007) to $4,018 (2011), +5% real Statistic
Pew's 'State Prison Health Care Spending' report Table C.3 lists Georgia's per-inmate correctional health care spending as $3,826 in 2007 and $4,018 in 2011, a real change of 5%.
$4,018 vs. 3,826 dollars per inmate (2007)
21-year-old Valdosta prisoner not found until two days after death Case detail
The Lowndes County Coroner determined that a 21-year-old man who died at Valdosta State Prison was not found until two days after he died.
FY2014 GCHC contract amended mid-year for 340B pricing loss Statistic
The Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts reported that in FY2014 the GCHC contract amount was amended mid-year: the original contract amount was $158.9 million, and $2 million was added to compensate for the temporary loss of 340B pricing.
$2M vs. 158.9 original FY2014 contract amount (millions)
SOP 507.01.01: needed care not denied for lack of funds; copay charged to account Policy
GDC SOP 507.01.01 "Philosophy and Right to Treatment" states that needed offender health care is not denied due to lack of funds, with copay fees instead charged to the offender's account until such time, if ever, funds are available.
GDC SOP 507.04.67 Offender Death Notification Form deadline Policy
GDC SOP 507.04.67 requires an Offender Death Notification Form to be faxed to the GDC Statewide Medical Director the next working day after a death, and that it include the date on which the Clinical Mortality Peer Review has been scheduled.
Riverbend: ACA reaccreditation 2022 at 99.77%; NCCHC accredited 2013 and 2015 Case detail
GEO Group's page for Riverbend Correctional and Rehabilitation Facility, operated for GDC, states the facility achieved initial ACA accreditation and reaccreditation in 2022 with a score of 99.77%, and was also accredited by the National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) in 2013 and 2015.
$5M settlement in Thomas Henry Giles fire death at ASMP Case detail
On November 16, 2023, the Georgia Department of Corrections agreed to pay $5 million to the estate of Thomas Henry Giles, a mentally ill prisoner who died after guards left him for hours locked inside a cell on fire at Augusta State Medical Prison.
SOP 507.04.37 effective date Policy
GDC SOP 507.04.37 (Urgent and Emergent Care Services) is dated effective November 29, 2023.
Hepatitis-C medications 15% of pharmaceutical costs, HIV 31%, other 44% in FY24 Statistic
In FY24, Hepatitis-C medications accounted for 15% of GDC pharmaceutical costs, HIV medications 31%, and all other medicines 44%.
15% vs. 31 HIV percent
Source
ASMP serves as sex offender release site and host for Augusta Transitional Center Policy
GDC's mission statement for Augusta State Medical Prison states it provides centralized acute, specialized medical and Level IV Mental Health services for male and female offenders primarily as transient, houses severe medical cases, and serves as a sex offender release site and host facility for the Augusta Transitional Center.
Pew: Georgia average daily prison population 53,864 (2007) to 51,794 (2011), -4% Statistic
Pew's 'State Prison Health Care Spending' report Table C.2 lists Georgia's average daily prison population as 53,864 in 2007 and 51,794 in 2011, a change of -4%.
51,794 average daily population (2011) vs. 53,864 average daily population (2007)
Wellpath executive: low CO staffing impacted safe care Quote
The DOJ report cites a Wellpath executive's testimony in Wellpath v. Georgia that GDC's low correctional officer staffing levels materially impacted Wellpath's ability to provide care to patients in a safe manner.
Year-over-year GCHC contract changes FY2010-FY2014 Trend
The Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts reported that the GCHC contract amount decreased by $4.8 million (3%) from fiscal year 2010 to 2011, decreased another $7.3 million (4%) from fiscal year 2011 to 2012, decreased by $900,000 (0.6%) from fiscal year 2012 to 2013, and increased by $500,000 (1%) from fiscal year 2013 to 2014.
Sick call: daily confidential written requests triaged seven days a week Policy
GDC SOP 507.04.27 "Sick Call" requires all facilities to provide daily access to sick call through a confidential written Health Service Request Form, with the form triaged by a Qualified Health Care Professional seven days a week except at facilities without seven-day medical coverage.
GDC SOP 507.04.67 suicide/homicide notification requirements Policy
GDC SOP 507.04.67 requires that for deaths resulting from suicide, homicide, or accidental or suspicious circumstances, the GDC Commissioner and GDC Statewide Medical Director be notified immediately and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation be notified by the Warden/Superintendent.
August 2019: GDC awarded $536.5M behavioral/dental contract to Centurion Case detail
On August 2, 2019, Centene Corporation announced that GDC awarded a $536.5 million contract for jail mental health and dental services to Centurion, a Centene subsidiary.
Giles autopsy: 76% carbon monoxide, above lethal range Statistic
An autopsy found Giles had a carbon monoxide level of 76%, well above the 40% to 60% levels considered lethal.
76% vs. 60 upper lethal threshold (percent)
Board of Corrections announced Wellpath as physical health provider Policy
At a Board of Corrections meeting, GDC staff reported that after a Request for Proposal, the department announced the results of Wellpath becoming its provider for offender healthcare physical services.
Offender Pharmacy subtotal expenses: $47.9M FY22, $53.5M FY23, $56.0M FY24 Statistic
GDC's Offender Pharmacy subtotal expenses were $47,902,502.16 in FY22, $53,489,194.22 in FY23, and $55,994,365 in FY24, including Hepatitis-C Medications costs of $256,366.20 in FY22, $4,084,992 in FY23, and $8,317,626.40 in FY24.
$56.0M USD vs. 47,902,502.2 FY22
Source
ASMP dialysis center expanded to 22 beds, opened March 20, 2023, adding 11 beds Case detail
A GDC press release dated March 20, 2023 announced that a newly expanded, 22-bed Dialysis Center at Augusta State Medical Prison officially opened, increasing bed capacity for dialysis services by 11 beds.
Pew: Georgia among nine states reporting private-prison health care costs Finding
Pew's 'State Prison Health Care Spending' report notes that Georgia was one of nine states contracting with private prisons that were able to provide information about health care costs for inmates in private prisons.
Four 2021 deaths discovered after rigor mortis set in Case detail
The DOJ report states that GDC records on four deaths of incarcerated persons in 2021 describe bodies discovered by staff after the onset of rigor mortis, indicating hours had passed, as an example of how understaffing causes avoidable delays in providing medical care in emergencies.
AJC analysis: GDC on track for deadliest year ever in 2024 Statistic
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that its analysis of 2024 data found GDC was on track to have its deadliest year ever, with at least 24 homicides and a total of 156 deaths reported in the first six months of 2024.
156 deaths vs. 24 homicides
GDC bases GRU contract on prior-year expenses with no projection formula Policy
The Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts reported that GDC bases the GRU contract amount on the previous year's expenses, with no formula or projection used to predict the next year's expenses.
Potentially urgent sick call complaints evaluated same day Policy
GDC SOP 507.04.27 requires that if an offender's complaint is checked as potentially urgent (e.g., ear pain), arrangements will be made to evaluate the offender the same day.
GDC SOP 507.04.67 Mortality Review Committee composition Policy
GDC SOP 507.04.67 establishes a Mortality Review Committee composed of nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses, a mental health provider, and a security representative, which reviews Clinical Mortality Peer Review packets and identifies any need for a forensic autopsy.
Centurion held GDC behavioral/dental contract since 1997 under name MHM Finding
Centurion was the incumbent on the GDC behavioral and dental contract and had held it since 1997 under the name MHM.
$925K settlement in Bonnie Rocheleau wrongful death Case detail
The surviving children of Georgia prisoner Bonnie Rocheleau filed suit against GDC and Georgia Correctional HealthCare for her wrongful death and accepted a $925,000 settlement in March 2018, alleging Dr. Nazaire provided substandard medical treatment that directly resulted in her death.
ASMP Mental Health and Medical Clinics run by Centurion Policy
At a Board of Corrections meeting, the Augusta State Medical Prison warden described the facility's Mental Health Clinic and Medical Clinic as both run by Centurion.
FY2024 Amended Appropriations Health budget: $338,556,718 Statistic
GDC's Amended FY2024 Appropriations and Budget by Program lists Health at $338,556,718.
$338.6M USD
Source
Approximately 55 offenders receive dialysis daily at ASMP, three hours per treatment Statistic
GDC's press release states that on average approximately 55 offenders receive dialysis treatment each day at ASMP, with an average of three hours to complete the process per individual, and the Center operates six days per week with two shifts.
55 offenders per day vs. 3 hours per treatment
Vera: Georgia health care payments 20% of prison spending (2015) Statistic
The Vera Institute's 'The Price of Prisons' report lists Georgia's state prison costs as a share of total prison spending at 20% for 'Payments to health care providers'.
20%
EMS director: average 30-minute delay at GDC prison gates Statistic
The DOJ report quotes an EMS director's estimate that EMS teams are delayed an average of 30 minutes during emergency responses to a GDC prison, waiting for security staff to open the three gates necessary to access the prison's medical department.
30 minutes
$2.2 million settlement for Jenna Mitchell death at Valdosta State Prison Case detail
Georgia's prison system agreed to pay $2.2 million to the family of Jenna Mitchell, a transgender woman incarcerated at Valdosta State Prison whose threats of suicide were ignored and who was left hanging in her cell for several minutes before getting medical help.
GRU contract scope excluded mental health, most dental, private prisons, county facilities Policy
GDC's contract with Georgia Regents University (GRU, now Augusta University) for inmate physical health care did not cover mental health, most dental health, or services for private prisons or county correctional institutions.
Weekend/holiday sick call: officers contact medical unit or on-call provider Policy
GDC SOP 507.04.27 instructs that at facilities without weekend/holiday qualified health care professionals, an officer should contact the medical unit or, if there is no qualified health care professional in the facility, the on-call provider.
GDC SOP 507.04.67 coroner and commissioner notification after natural death Policy
GDC SOP 507.04.67 requires that after a natural death, the Warden/Superintendent or designee notify the County Coroner and, through the State Communication Center, notify the GDC Commissioner, Regional Director, and the GDC Health Services Director.
Dr. Fye resigned after $600K paid in two malpractice suits Case detail
Dr. Fye was the medical director at Macon State Prison for 11 years before she resigned after the state paid $600,000 in two lawsuits alleging negligent malpractice, one involving the amputation of diabetic prisoner Michael Tarver's leg.
ASMP specialty services list Policy
At a Board of Corrections meeting held in Augusta, Georgia, Augusta State Medical Prison's (ASMP) specialty services were described as including a 24-hour Infirmary, Crisis Stabilization Unit, Acute Care Unit, Mental Health Clinic (Centurion), Medical Clinic (Centurion), Wound Care Clinic (MyWoundDoc), Physical Therapy Clinic, Dental Clinic, Mobile CT Unit, Mobile MRI Unit, Laboratory, Pharmacy, Dialysis Unit (Rendevor), Telemedicine Remote Care, and an Ambulatory Surgical Center.
GDC entered 10-year, $40M contract with MHM-Centurion for mental and dental health in FY2020 Policy
In FY2020, GDC entered into a 10-year, $40 million contract with MHM-Centurion to provide mental health services and dental health, moving from a primary mental health personnel contract to a service provision contract with 100% mental health services provided by MHM-Centurion; an addition also provides personnel and programming to the Integrated Treatment Units.
Gumm v. Jacobs settlement approved May 7, 2019, with $425,000 attorney fees and costs Legal fact
The district court approved a settlement agreement and final judgment in Gumm v. Jacobs, a class action over SMU conditions at Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison, with attorney fees and costs of $425,000.
Vera: national prison health care payments 11% of prison spending Statistic
Vera Institute's 'The Price of Prisons' report states that nationally only 11 percent of prison spending was spent on payments for prison health care, including payments to outside health care providers, pharmaceuticals, and hospital care.
11%
DOJ investigation timeline: 2016 LGBTI, 2021 expanded to violence Legal fact
DOJ launched a statewide investigation in 2016 into whether GDC adequately protects LGBTI incarcerated persons from sexual abuse by staff and other incarcerated persons, and in 2021 expanded the investigation to include protection of all incarcerated persons at medium- and close-security-level prisons from violence.
Jenna Mitchell was transgender woman held at men's prison Case detail
Jenna Mitchell was serving a sentence for a 2015 robbery conviction at Valdosta State Prison and, although she identified as a transgender woman, was being held at a prison for men.
2011 legislation required Medicaid rate for non-contracted hospital emergency care Legal fact
Because of legislation enacted in 2011, GCHC began paying the Medicaid rate to non-contracted hospitals when emergency services are provided to inmates, whereas previously hospitals that would not enter contracts with GCHC were able to impose full charges on inmate care.
Sick call referral timelines: emergent immediate, urgent same day, routine within 10 days Policy
GDC SOP 507.04.27 defines three sick call referral timelines: an Emergent Referral means the nurse refers the patient to a clinician immediately; an Urgent Referral means the patient is referred the same day; and a Routine Referral means the patient is referred to be seen within ten calendar days.
GDC SOP 507.04.67 contemplates unnamed contract vendor medical director Policy
GDC SOP 507.04.67 requires the Mortality Review Committee to notify the GDC and contract vendor Statewide Medical Directors of any positive findings, showing the SOP contemplates a health care contract vendor without naming it.
$550K settlement in Jimmy Lucero starvation death Case detail
A $550,000 settlement was reached in a civil rights lawsuit alleging that 19-year-old Jimmy Lucero laid in a catatonic state at Augusta State Medical Prison as he starved to death with little to no medical care in 2015. Lucero's estate sued on July 2, 2018; the settlement was reached on May 18, 2019.
GDC and Centurion provided water tankers during ASMP dialysis water issue after Hurricane Helene Case detail
At the same Board meeting, GDC's medical update discussed a joint effort between GDC and Centurion providing tankers of potable water during a dialysis temporary water supply issue at ASMP after Hurricane Helene.
Gumm v. Jacobs settlement establishes general 24-month limit on SMU confinement Legal fact
The settlement agreement in the Gumm v. Jacobs SMU class action establishes a "general 24-month limit on confinement in SMU," and class members will be regularly reviewed to "determine whether they will process through the program phases or transfer to a different facility."
Vera: six states, including Georgia, exceeded 20% health care share in 2015 Finding
Vera Institute's 'The Price of Prisons' report states that in 2015, in six states -- Alabama, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Missouri, and South Dakota -- health care spending exceeded 20 percent of the state's prison spending.
DOJ: segregation can cause severe psychological damage Finding
DOJ's report states segregation can cause severe psychological damage, especially when it involves near-complete isolation and sensory deprivation or extends for a prolonged period of time, citing PREA standards on housing people at high risk of sexual victimization.
Prior six-figure payout: $1.2 million in 2016 for Thomas M. Fitzgerald death Case detail
Attorney Shanies said the Jenna Mitchell settlement is a record-setting civil recovery connected to a Georgia prisoner's death, and that the last six-figure payout before it was in 2016 for $1.2 million following the December 1999 death of Thomas M. Fitzgerald, who died while being strapped to a bed in an isolation cell.
GDC Office of Health Services negotiates external provider contracts Policy
As part of GDC's Office of Health Services duties, the agency negotiates and manages contracts with health care service providers throughout Georgia, including hospitals, specialty clinics, and ambulance services, for health care services that cannot be provided by resources within GDC facilities.
SOP 507.04.27 effective date 1/27/2022 Policy
GDC SOP 507.04.27 (Sick Call) is dated effective 1/27/2022.
GDC SOP 508.16 mental health levels II and VI definitions Policy
GDC's SOP on Mental Health Levels of Care defines Level II as Outpatient Services and Level VI as Prison Psychiatric Facility placement.
GDC Health program funding FY2015–FY2018 Statistic
GDC's Health program total funds were $199,368,523 in FY2015 expenditures, $207,771,903 in FY2016 expenditures, $204,683,131 in the FY2017 current budget, and a Governor's recommendation of $260,159,778 for FY2018.
$199.4M USD vs. 260,159,778 FY2018 Governor's recommendation (USD)
ACA accreditation update covering 49 sites Policy
At a Board of Corrections meeting, GDC's Statewide Compliance and Accreditation Manager presented an American Correctional Association accreditation update covering the accreditation summary for prisons, probation detention centers, transitional centers, and the agency accreditation average for 49 sites.
Vera: Georgia ADP 46,145, total prison expenditures $921,844,210, cost per inmate $19,977 Statistic
Vera Institute's 'The Price of Prisons' report lists Georgia's average daily prison population as 46,145, total prison expenditures as $921,844,210, and cost per inmate as $19,977.
$19,977 vs. 921,844,210 total prison expenditures in dollars
DOJ identified additional homicides not in GDC totals Data gap
DOJ's report states it identified multiple additional homicide deaths that GDC's reported homicide totals fail to reflect.
DOJ Civil Rights Division statewide investigation into Georgia prison violence and sexual abuse Legal fact
The U.S. Justice Department's Civil Rights Division announced a statewide investigation into homicides inside Georgia prisons, prisoner-on-prisoner violence and the sexual abuse of gay, lesbian and transgender prisoners by other inmates and staffers.
GDC health appropriation approximately $200 million annually, ~80% physical health Statistic
As of the audit, inmate health care was funded through GDC's health appropriation of approximately $200 million per year, of which approximately 80% was for physical health through the contract with GRU, while mental health and dental health services were also provided through the health budget but the majority of those services were provided separately from the GRU contract.
$200M vs. 80 percent for physical health
GDC health service provider costs rose from $57.6M (FY2021) to $190.6M (FY2024) Trend
GDC's reported "Total cost of health service providers" performance measure rose from $57,614,021 in FY2021 to $103,541,175 in FY2022, $181,442,638 in FY2023, and $190,589,181 in FY2024.
GDC SOP 508.16 Level VI criteria Policy
GDC's SOP on Mental Health Levels of Care sets Level VI as placement in a prison psychiatric facility, indicated when an offender has severely debilitating symptomatology that cannot be safely and adequately treated within an infirmary or Supportive Living Unit.
Governor's AFY2026 budget: $39,777,721 total change to DOC Health program Statistic
Georgia's Governor's Budget Report recommends a total change to the Department of Corrections' Health program appropriation, including $38,869,898 for the physical health contract (per diem increase, outside-the-wire care, and additional beds), $479,411 for the mental health contract, and $374,587 for the dental health contract, totaling $39,777,721.
$39.8M
Counselor staffing 50% or lower at several of 16 prisons reviewed Finding
DOJ's report found that in a review of data from 16 GDC prisons from January 2022 to August 2023, most of the prisons reviewed failed to fully staff allotted classification counselor positions, with several having counselor staffing rates in the 50% range or lower.
Gumm v. Sellers settlement over Special Management Unit solitary confinement Case detail
The Southern Center for Human Rights and Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton reached a settlement with GDC in Gumm v. Sellers, a case challenging solitary confinement in Georgia's Special Management Unit, after plaintiff Timothy Gumm was held in the SMU for 7.5 years.
GCHC participation in 340B program for HIV/AIDS drugs, expansion planned Policy
As of the audit, in addition to group pharmacy benefits it was already receiving, GCHC participated in the federal 340B program, which allowed it to purchase HIV/AIDS medications at a reduced rate, and GDC and GCHC were at that time working to expand the 340B program to include Hepatitis C medication and certain cancer drugs.
GDC medication costs rose from $31.5M (FY2021) to $56.0M (FY2024) Trend
GDC's reported "Cost of medications" performance measure rose from $31,487,495 in FY2021 to $37,786,696 in FY2022, $43,725,054 in FY2023, and $55,994,365 in FY2024.
GDC SOP 508.16 Level II monthly counselor contact Policy
GDC's SOP on Mental Health Levels of Care requires offenders placed at Level II to be seen at least once a month by their mental health counselor unless the Treatment Team determines another timeframe.
Governor's FY2027 budget: $54,769,710 total change to DOC Health program Statistic
Georgia's Governor's Budget Report recommends increasing the Department of Corrections' Health program funds for the physical health contract by $47,880,895 for a per diem increase and additional beds, for the mental health contract by $1,917,644, for the dental health contract by $1,498,347, and for the pharmacy contract by $3,681,328, totaling a change of $54,769,710.
$54.8M
ASMP among facilities examined by DOJ Finding
The DOJ report lists Augusta State Medical Prison among the facilities it examined, alongside other named GDC prisons.
Nearly half of SMU inmates had documented mental disorders; two suicides in 2017 Statistic
Nearly half of those assigned to Georgia's Special Management Unit had documented mental disorders requiring treatment, and two men committed suicide in the SMU in 2017.
2 suicides
340B program required ASMP clinic for qualifying inmates Policy
The 340B Drug Pricing Program required the Georgia Regents Health System, in partnership with GDC and GCHC, to open a clinic for inmates at Augusta State Medical Prison (ASMP), with all inmates receiving the medications required to individually qualify to participate in the program.
GDC Health program FY2026 continuation base: $345,418,609 state funds Statistic
The Georgia Department of Corrections' Health program continuation budget base for FY2026 was $345,418,609 in total state funds, under both the Governor's and House versions.
$345.4M USD
GDC SOP 508.16 Crisis Stabilization Unit placement in designated infirmaries Policy
GDC's SOP on Mental Health Levels of Care requires Crisis Stabilization Unit placement to occur only in designated infirmaries.
AJC: $1.5M settlement (2018) for Mollianne Fischer vegetative state at Pulaski SP Case detail
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported a $1.5 million settlement (finalized 2018) after Mollianne Fischer was left in a vegetative state in May 2014 due to inadequate medical care at Pulaski State Prison.
May 2024 homicide at ASMP of man interviewed at Macon State Prison Case detail
DOJ's report describes a May 2024 incident in which a man DOJ had interviewed at Macon State Prison in early 2023 reportedly died by homicide at Augusta State Medical Prison, after being attacked multiple times in the years prior to his death, and two incarcerated people and a GDC correctional officer were criminally charged.
GDC Health program FY2026: Governor $376.6M vs House $402.3M state funds Statistic
The Georgia Department of Corrections' Health program FY2026 appropriation totaled $376,594,608 in state funds under the Governor's recommendation, versus $402,253,673 under the House version.
$376.6M USD vs. 402,253,673 House version state funds (USD)
Board of Corrections March 2022 mental health statistics presentation Case detail
At a Board of Corrections meeting, GDC Assistant Commissioner Randy Sauls presented mental health statistics for GDC's offender population including mental health population figures from 2011 to 2021 and the percentage of inmates receiving mental health services from 2011 to 2021.
AJC: $1.5M settlement (2023) for Agnes Bohannon death at Lee Arrendale SP Case detail
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported a $1.5 million settlement (finalized 2023) after Agnes Bohannon complained for days of cardiac and respiratory distress at Lee Arrendale State Prison without adequate evaluation or treatment, and died of cardiovascular disease in September 2019.
DOJ reasonable cause: Georgia violates Eighth Amendment Legal fact
DOJ's findings report concludes there is reasonable cause to believe the State of Georgia and GDC violate the Eighth Amendment, after an investigation of Georgia's prisons housing people at the medium- and close-security levels.
GDC total daily health cost per inmate rose from $15.26 (FY2021) to $17.22 (FY2024) Trend
GDC's reported "Total daily health cost per inmate, including physical health, mental health, dental care" rose from $15.26 in FY2021 to $15.59 in FY2022, $15.68 in FY2023, and $17.22 in FY2024.
Board of Corrections October 2021 funding priorities included health care and mental health Case detail
At a Board of Corrections meeting, Chief of Staff Alan Watson's presentation on funding priorities covered Corrections critical position compensation, mental health counselors, health care, mental health expansion, and physical health contracts.
AJC: $925,000 settlement (2018) for Bonnie Rocheleau death at Pulaski SP Case detail
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported a $925,000 settlement (finalized 2018) after Bonnie Rocheleau, who had long suffered from COPD, failed to get adequate care at Pulaski State Prison when she developed pneumonia, leading to her death in March 2015.
DOJ conclusion: failure to protect from violence and sexual abuse Legal fact
The DOJ report's conclusion states the Department has reasonable cause to believe Georgia violates the Eighth Amendment by failing to protect incarcerated persons from violence and sexual abuse, and by failing to provide reasonably safe conditions.
Board of Corrections February 2023 ACA accreditation announcements Case detail
At a Board of Corrections meeting, Commissioner Oliver reported that Hancock, Wilcox, Pulaski, Phillips, Whitworth, Lee, and Washington facilities received ACA reaccreditation, while Bacon and Patton PDC received initial national ACA accreditation certification.
AJC: $750,000 settlement (2023) for Brandon Peters death at Georgia State Prison Case detail
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported a $750,000 settlement (finalized 2023) after Brandon Peters suffered for days from severe belly pain, fever and bowel problems then died in his cell at Georgia State Prison in November 2020, with a claim alleging officials failed to intervene and provide proper medical care.
Sources
118 cited sources backing this research.
Secondary
Journalism
Secondary
Journalism
Primary
Official report
Secondary
Journalism
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Secondary
Academic
Primary
Official report
Secondary
Journalism
Secondary
Journalism
Secondary
Journalism
Primary
Official report
Primary
Legal document
Primary
Legal document
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Legal document
Primary
Official report
Primary
Press release
Secondary
Journalism
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Secondary
Journalism
Primary
Legal document
Primary
Official report
Secondary
Data portal
Primary
Legal document
Secondary
Journalism
Primary
Press release
Secondary
Journalism
Secondary
Journalism
Secondary
Journalism
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Legal document
Secondary
Journalism
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Press release
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Secondary
Journalism
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Secondary
Journalism
Primary
Official report
Secondary
Journalism
Primary
Official report
Secondary
Journalism
Primary
Official report
Primary
Legal document
Primary
Legislation
Primary
Press release
Secondary
Journalism
Secondary
Journalism
Primary
Legal document
Primary
Legal document
Primary
Legal document
Secondary
Journalism
Secondary
Journalism
Secondary
Journalism
Secondary
Academic
Primary
Press release
Primary
Press release
Secondary
Journalism
Primary
Press release
Primary
Legislation
Primary
Legislation
Primary
Legislation
Primary
Legal document
Primary
Legislation
Primary
Legal document
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Secondary
Journalism
Secondary
Journalism
Primary
Journalism
Secondary
Journalism
Primary
Legal document
Primary
Press release
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Press release
Secondary
Journalism
Secondary
Official report
Secondary
Journalism
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Secondary
Journalism
Secondary
Press release
Primary
Official report
Primary
Legal document
Secondary
Journalism
Secondary
Journalism
Primary
Legal document
Primary
Legal document
Primary
Data portal
Key Entities
Organizations, people, facilities, and other named entities referenced in this research.
Agnes Bohannon
[person]
Alan Watson
[person]
Ali Tanner
[person]
Alison Ganem
[person]
Alliant
[organization]
American Correctional Association
[organization]
American Correctional Association (ACA)
[organization]
Amos Huff
[person]
Ashley Diamond
[person]
Ashley Diamond v. Owens
[case]
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
[organization]
Augusta State Medical Prison
[facility]
Augusta Transitional Center
[facility]
Augusta University
[organization]
Bacon State Prison
[facility]
Benjamin v. Oliver
[case]
Betty Wade
[person]
Board of Corrections
[organization]
Bondurant Mixson & Elmore LLP
[organization]
Bonnie Rocheleau
[person]
Brandon Peters
[person]
Bruce Smith
[person]
Brynn Wilson
[person]
Bureau of Justice Statistics
[organization]
Cameron Maddox
[person]
Case 5:15-cv-00041-MTT
[case]
Centene Corporation
[organization]
Center for Constitutional Rights
[organization]
Centurion
[organization]
Centurion Equity, Inc.
[organization]
Centurion Health
[organization]
Coastal State Prison
[facility]
Columbia County Sheriff's Office
[organization]
Commissioner Oliver
[person]
Correct Rx
[organization]
CorrectRX
[organization]
Daniel Farmer
[person]
David Henegar
[person]
Department of Audits and Accounts (DOAA)
[organization]
Doe v. Georgia Department of Corrections
[case]
DOJ
[organization]
DOJ investigation of Georgia prisons
[operation]
Dr. Sharon Lewis
[person]
Dr. Taylor
[person]
Dynamic Mobile Dentistry
[organization]
Edwards v. Augusta State Medical Prison
[case]
Eugene Griggs
[person]
Fantasia Horton
[person]
Fulton County Superior Court
[organization]
Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 125-4-4-.01
[legislation]
GDC Office of Health Services
[organization]
GDC RFP ES-RFP-46700-415
[program]
GDC SOP 507.01.01
[legislation]
GDC SOP 507.01.11
[organization]
GDC SOP 507.02.02
[organization]
GDC SOP 507.03.03
[organization]
GDC SOP 507.04.03
[organization]
GDC SOP 507.04.05
[legislation]
GDC SOP 507.04.27
[legislation]
GDC SOP 507.04.67
[organization]
GDC SOP 508.16
[legislation]
GEO Group
[organization]
Georgia Board of Corrections
[organization]
Georgia Bureau of Investigation
[organization]
Georgia Correctional HealthCare
[organization]
Georgia Correctional HealthCare (GCHC)
[organization]
Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts
[organization]
Georgia Department of Corrections
[organization]
Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison
[facility]
Georgia Regents University
[organization]
Georgia Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety
[organization]
Georgia Senate Supporting Safety and Welfare of All Individuals in Department of Corrections Study Committee
[legislation]
Georgia State Prison
[facility]
Governor's Office of Planning and Budget
[organization]
Gumm v. Jacobs
[case]
Gumm v. Sellers
[case]
Hancock State Prison
[facility]
Harris v. Georgia Department of Corrections
[case]
HB 68 (FY 2026G)
[legislation]
Isis Benjamin
[person]
Isis Benjamin v. Commissioner, Georgia Department of Corrections
[case]
Jacobi Chomicki
[person]
Janette Shields
[person]
Jenna Mitchell
[person]
Jerry Lackey
[person]
Jerry Merritt
[person]
Jim Barnaby
[person]
Jimmy Lucero
[person]
John Jaquis Trimier
[person]
Johnson v. Lewis
[case]
Kevin Marler
[person]
Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton
[organization]
Kirkland & Ellis LLP
[organization]
Lee Arrendale State Prison
[facility]
Lee State Prison
[facility]
Lowndes County Coroner
[organization]
Macon State Prison
[facility]
Marcus Phillips
[person]
Marlah Mardis
[person]
Mary Rankin
[person]
Medical Association of Georgia
[organization]
Mental and Dental Services for Offenders RFP (ES-RFP-46700-415)
[program]
MHM Services, Inc.
[organization]
MHM-Centurion
[organization]
Michael Tarver
[person]
Mollianne Fischer
[person]
MyWoundDoc
[organization]
Naeomi Madison
[person]
National Commission on Correctional Health Care
[organization]
National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC)
[organization]
O.C.G.A. § 42-4-71
[legislation]
O.C.G.A. § 42-5-55
[legislation]
Office of Health Services (GDC)
[organization]
Oliver v. Centurion of Georgia, L.L.C.
[case]
Patton State Prison
[facility]
Pearson v. Augusta State Medical Prison
[case]
Pew Charitable Trusts
[organization]
Phillips State Prison
[facility]
Pulaski State Prison
[facility]
Randy Sauls
[person]
Rendevor
[organization]
Ricky J. Johnson
[person]
Riverbend Correctional and Rehabilitation Facility
[facility]
Robert Roberson
[person]
Roderick Hayes
[person]
SB 185
[legislation]
SB185
[legislation]
Senate Study Committee on Corrections
[organization]
Southern Center for Human Rights
[organization]
Southern Correctional Medicine
[organization]
Special Management Unit
[facility]
State Board of Corrections
[organization]
Ted Philbin
[person]
Thomas Ferrell
[person]
Thomas Henry Giles
[person]
Thomas M. Fitzgerald
[person]
Timothy Gumm
[person]
Timothy Young
[person]
Tyrone Oliver
[person]
U.S. Department of Justice
[organization]
Vera Institute of Justice
[organization]
Victor Walker
[person]
Victoria M. Calvert
[person]
Wade v. McDade
[case]
Walker State Prison
[facility]
Wellpath
[organization]
Wellpath v. GDC
[case]
Wellpath, LLC v. State of Georgia
[case]
Whittle v. Southern Correctional Medicine
[case]
Whitworth State Prison
[facility]
Wilcox State Prison
[facility]