Press Release  Massachusetts Department of Correction Launches New Digital Patient Portal to Enhance Access to Clinical Services and Health Information

MILFORD — The Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC) today announced a new digital patient portal program across its facilities to provide access to health records via an incarcerated person’s Department-issued educational tablet. Individuals within each facility can use the portal to submit digital service requests, and access important health educational resources in multiple languages on relevant topics, and make informed decisions about their healthcare. The program is the first patient portal of its kind developed by DOC’s health care partner, VitalCore Health Strategies.

“Through creative thinking, collaboration and determination, the DOC and its partners continue to create new and innovative programs and applications that better serve individuals under our care,” said DOC Commissioner Shawn Jenkins. “We know this Patient Portal will help our housed population become even more engaged in their own physical and mental health while streamlining the process for our clinicians to provide care.” 

Through the portal, incarcerated individuals will be able to submit requests for medical assistance and access health and wellness resources, including guided meditations. Planned updates will allow individuals to request copies of their medical records, access additional health education resources, receive communications from clinicians and get appointment reminders. 

The patient portal will be available through the DOC-issued tablets already used by incarcerated individuals for educational, vocational and reentry programming. Since 2024, DOC has used the tablets to expand access to more than 40 programs, including high school equivalency preparation, English, math, science, financial literacy and other educational and self-improvement resources. 

The program builds on DOC’s ongoing work to strengthen health care and mental health services across its facilities. In May, DOC equipped medical and mental health clinicians across all facilities with tablets that provide real-time access to patient health records, helping clinicians make informed decisions and improve continuity of care. 

Providing patients with access to this kind of portal allows for two-way communication to facilitate timely action on requests for medical assistance, appointment reminders, and unprecedented access to informational resources on topics, including weight loss, dental care, and health journals.  

In addition to this initiative, the DOC has implemented several changes to its health and wellbeing services following an independent review by Dr. Sharon Barboza of six in-custody deaths by suicide in 2025. These efforts include launching a first-of-its kind after-hours mental health wellness helpline, which was created to expand services for housed individuals.  

These initiatives advance the DOC’s 5-year strategic plan, which includes Excellence in Health and Wellbeing as one of the Department’s core priorities. 

About the Massachusetts Department of Correction  

The Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC) manages the custody, care, and rehabilitation of approximately 6,000 individuals across 13 state facilities. The DOC emphasizes evidence-based programming, trauma-informed care, and educational and vocational training to reduce recidivism and is committed to fostering accountability, personal growth, and successful reentry. Through partnerships with community organizations and stakeholders, the DOC delivers innovative services tailored to the diverse needs of incarcerated individuals while advancing equity, inclusion, and long-term public safety.  

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