Bi-County Health Officer Dr. Phuong Luu, center, joins regional law enforcement and probation partners whose cross-agency collaboration helped implement the CalAIM Justice-Involved Reentry Initiative in Sutter and Yuba counties. Photo courtesy of Yuba County

YUBA-SUTTER, CA (MPG) - Bi-County Health Officer Dr. Phuong Luu has received national recognition for her role in expanding health care access for people leaving incarceration in Sutter and Yuba counties.

Luu accepted the Leadership in Advocacy Award from the Association for Community Affiliated Plans during the group’s Legislative Fly-In Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 24. She accepted the award on behalf of a cross-county team that has implemented the CalAIM Justice-Involved Reentry Initiative locally.

The award recognizes work completed in partnership with an ACAP-affiliated health plan that improves outcomes for people served by Medicaid and other safety net programs.

Bi-County Health Officer Dr. Phuong Luu holds the national Leadership in Advocacy Award presented by the Association for Community Affiliated Plans for the Yuba-Sutter CalAIM Justice-Involved Reentry Initiative. Photo courtesy of Yuba County

Local officials said Sutter and Yuba counties were among the first in California to operate the initiative. The program allows eligible incarcerated individuals to enroll in Medi-Cal and begin receiving targeted health care services up to 90 days before release.

Under the initiative, correctional and probation staff coordinate with health care providers to identify eligible individuals, complete Medi-Cal enrollment prior to release, maintain medication continuity and connect participants with behavioral health, primary care and social services upon reentry.

“This recognition reflects the bold and innovative work carried out every day by the dedicated teams in Sutter County and Yuba County across law, justice, health and human services who tirelessly serve our communities,” Luu said. “We also acknowledge our health care partners, whose commitment ensures timely health care reentry services for those who need them most.”

Luu also thanked Partnership HealthPlan of California, the region’s Medi-Cal managed care plan, for collaborating with the counties to implement CalAIM Justice-Involved services.

Capt. Matthew Maples, jail division commander for the Sutter County Sheriff’s Office, said the program has changed how the jail prepares individuals for release.

“Implementing the CalAIM Justice-Involved program within the Sutter County Jail facilities has been a significant step forward in how we support individuals transitioning back into our community,” Maples said. “This success is a direct result of a strong collaborative team approach.”

Bi-County Health Officer Dr. Phuong Luu speaks during the Association for Community Affiliated Plans Legislative Fly-In Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C., where she accepted the national Leadership in Advocacy Award on behalf of the Yuba-Sutter CalAIM Justice-Involved Reentry Initiative team. Photo courtesy of Yuba County

James Moralez, deputy chief probation officer for Yuba County, said the initiative required extensive coordination among state, county and community partners.

“With strong state, community and cross-agency collaboration, we successfully operationalized this complex initiative and built a framework that supports individuals transitioning from custody back into the community,” Moralez said.

County leaders said the program aims to improve health outcomes and strengthen public safety by reducing gaps in care that can contribute to crises, recidivism or preventable emergency services.

As part of the recognition, ACAP will donate $1,000 to a nonprofit selected by Luu. She chose the Yuba-Sutter Food Bank.