What We Do UCSD RELINK aims to connect young adults who are on probation to services and skills that support a healthy lifestyle, wellbeing, and positive engagement with our community. Through Service Navigation and Health Coaching, we foster independence and resilience among justice-involved young adults in the South San Diego region.
Why We Do It
Reentry populations experience chronic health disparities including higher prevalence of infectious disease (HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, TB), chronic disease (hypertension, asthma, diabetes), mental illness, and substance abuse disorders.
The cycle of incarceration and reentry exacerbates health disparities because it disrupts continuity of care, access to medication, and social support networks.
Racial and ethnic disparities in health are often driven by the same social determinants (e.g., structural racism, low socioeconomic status, low educational attainment) as racial and ethnic disparities in incarceration.
By contributing to the prevention of repeated exposure to criminal justice and the improvement of health outcomes, UCSD RELINK seeks to reduce health disparities and recidivism among young adults in the South San Diego region.