Background

Center for Health Justice (CHJ) is an LGBTQIA+ affirming organization that serves people impacted by incarceration, providing health education, trauma-informed services, and assistance with community reintegration after release from custody. Founded in 1999 as the Corrections HIV Education & Law Project (CorrectHelp) within the Tides Center, the organization became an independent 501(c)(3) in 2004. In 2006, it became the Center for Health Justice. While CHJ has long supported incarcerated people, it has expanded its original focus on HIV/AIDS to include mental health services, substance use counseling, and support for chronic health conditions, including hepatitis C.

Who We Serve

CHJ provides services to incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals in Los Angeles County, with a particular focus on the unique needs of the LGBTQIA+ community. CHJ’s expertise and focused programs utilize the public health intervention opportunity that incarceration presents to equip clients with the skills and education necessary to return to their communities and live healthy lives. Throughout its programs, CHJ upholds its core values of diversity, quality, collaboration, transparency, creativity, responsiveness, accountability, and sustainability. CHJ’s 2021 client demographics, based on self-reporting, are illustrated as follows:

Our Work

CHJ continues to be the only organization in Los Angeles County that focuses primarily on health education and support within correctional facilities. Our organization brings vital programs to the county jails, including HIV/AIDS prevention and education courses as well as substance use and addiction counseling. Once discharged, individuals can visit the Sheila & Stan Price Reentry Center to obtain essential supplies and get referrals to community resources. They can also access the organization’s classes and support groups, which are led by CHJ’s knowledgeable and passionate Public Health Influencers. Programs have been designed using evidence-based, trauma-informed techniques to increase knowledge of disease prevention and treatment, while supporting self-empowerment and continued reduction in risk behaviors during and after incarceration. Our consistent focus on LGBTQIA+ rights within programs lends to a sense of inclusion and safety among participants, as CHJ’s health educators approach clients with sensitivity, lack of judgment, and compassion.