ACH Honors Jail Doctor with Critical Thinking Award for Improving Process
(Columbia, South Carolina) – Advanced Correctional Healthcare, Inc. (ACH) is thrilled to announce Dr. Felicia Heyward as a 2025 recipient of the prestigious Critical Thinking Award.
According to a 2023 article published in JAMA Health Forum, detained individuals may not have a regular healthcare provider in the free community, despite statistically having a higher rate of chronic conditions. In jail, a healthcare provider may only have a few days to help someone manage a condition.
Dr. Heyward identified a potential issue in the current process of medication distribution to patients inside a jail facility. Understanding the outcomes that may arise from the process, Dr. Heyward promptly raised the concern with leadership and ensured that the patients' process of care was improved. Their quick response and commitment to safety not only protected individuals but also contributed to broader systemic improvements to prevent similar issues in the future.
The Critical Thinking Award recognizes an ACH associate or jail staff member who exhibits exceptional critical thinking skills and adaptability in analyzing complex situations, making sound decisions, and implementing innovative solutions to deliver high-quality patient care and enhance outcomes in life-threatening conditions where death would otherwise be imminent.
"We are immensely proud to present this Critical Thinking Award, which highlights the unwavering commitment correctional professionals display toward the persons in their care,” says Jessica Young, Esq., President & CEO of ACH. “Together, we continue to demonstrate that with the right intervention, better outcomes are possible.”
The award was presented on May 8, 2025. To date in 2025, two Critical Thinking Awards have been given. ACH demonstrates a steady commitment to patients, clients, and associates, and puts people over profits. ACH has received two Better Business Bureau Torch Awards for Ethics and has recently earned its tenth consecutive year of Great Place to Work certification. ACH was also honored at Music City's Community Choice Awards for having the Best Employee Recognition Program and was most recently named “Best Hospital & Health Care Business of the Year” in the Global 100 Awards.
About Advanced Correctional Healthcare, Inc.
Advanced Correctional Healthcare, Inc. (ACH) is the nation’s largest jail contract management company, managing contracts for health care teams and customized programs in a variety of correctional settings, including county jails, juvenile detention centers, mental health units, work release centers, and drug rehabilitation centers across 18 states. In 2024, ACH saved over $15.5 million in taxpayer dollars through bill scrubbing. From 2019 to 2024, over 105% of contracted nursing hours were met nationwide, and more than 116 patient lives were saved. Learn more at advancedch.com.
