VitalCore Health Strategies has been selected to provide healthcare services to individuals detained at the Mecklenburg County Detention Center starting May 19. The Kansas-based company will take over from Wellpath, who had a $10.66 million contract with the jail. This change follows the termination of Wellpath’s contract by the sheriff’s office.
Sheriff Garry McFadden expressed his enthusiasm for the new partnership with VitalCore, emphasizing that both parties share a commitment to changing the culture and philosophy within the detention center. Although a contract has not yet been finalized, the transition is expected to take place seamlessly. However, VitalCore is currently facing legal challenges in federal court in Delaware, where they have been accused of providing substandard medical care in the state’s prison system.
Unfortunately, issues related to healthcare providers in jail and prison settings are not uncommon. Wellpath, the previous medical provider at the Mecklenburg County Detention Center, has a history of legal troubles in North Carolina facilities, often resulting in settlements with the families of individuals who suffered harm or died under their care. Despite these challenges, the sheriff’s office has not commented on the pending lawsuit against VitalCore in Delaware.
