Clinical Director Reflection: Bridging Community & Justice

Written By: Fran DaLomba, LICSW, MSW, Clinical Director

What an incredible day of learning, collaboration, and inspiration.

On behalf of JA Health & Wellness, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who joined us for Bridging Community & Justice: Partnerships to Transform Health Access. The tremendous turnout demonstrated the shared commitment across healthcare, behavioral health, criminal justice, academia, and community organizations to improving access to care for individuals and communities who have too often been underserved.

Our sincere appreciation goes to our keynote speaker, Dr. Glenn Tucker, Medical Director of Rhode Island Department of Corrections, whose thoughtful and engaging presentation challenged us to think differently about how partnerships can transform health outcomes. His message set the tone for a day filled with meaningful dialogue, practical strategies, and renewed purpose.

We are equally grateful to each of our presenters, panelists, and especially those who courageously shared their lived experiences. Your expertise, honesty, and passion elevated every conversation and reminded us that lasting change happens when professional knowledge and lived experience come together.

As Clinical Director of JA Health & Wellness, I left the conference feeling hopeful. The connections made, ideas exchanged, and collective energy in the room reaffirmed that meaningful change is possible when we work across systems rather than in silos. Together, we are building stronger partnerships that promote equity, reduce barriers to care, and create healthier pathways for justice-involved individuals and our communities.

Thank you for being part of this important work. We look forward to continuing these conversations and turning inspiration into action.