The Massachusetts Department of Correction, in partnership with VitalCore Health Strategies, has launched a new mental health wellness helpline for inmates. The after-hours service is designed to provide support during nighttime hours, addressing a previous gap when mental health professionals were not available.
The helpline operates from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m., giving inmates direct access to healthcare professionals in addition to services already available during the day. According to the official announcement, the service aims to provide timely support for inmates, particularly during hours when standard mental health resources are limited. DOC Commissioner Shawn Jenkins said the helpline gives individuals in custody a new way to reach trained mental and medical health professionals when needed, according to the state’s official website.
The helpline was designed with the understanding that crises can occur at any time. It complements existing mental health services by providing overnight access to medical guidance and crisis intervention. Phased implementation began on December 1, 2025, and all 13 state correctional facilities are expected to have the service fully operational by the end of January 2026. Staff have been trained to support the program, and inmates can access the helpline using DOC-issued tablets or wall phones, independent of regular institutional phone schedules.
Healthcare professionals on the helpline can develop individualized responses, coordinating with DOC staff to provide any necessary on-site care. The support plan is tailored to the specific concerns raised during the call. In the event of an emergency, officials are notified immediately for a rapid response. VitalCore CEO Viola Riggin noted that the service strengthens the department’s commitment to delivering high-quality care for individuals in DOC facilities.
The Massachusetts Department of Correction manages the care and rehabilitation of roughly 6,000 individuals across its facilities, emphasizing evidence-based programs and trauma-informed approaches to reduce recidivism. The new wellness helpline adds an additional layer to these services, supporting personal development, aiding smooth reentry, and promoting long-term public safety and equity.
