East Granby's Vickie Alston Honored for Work

An East Granby woman has been named Connecticut Chapter Social Worker of the Year for her work in helping inmates reenter the community.

Vickie Alston, MSW, LCSW, DCSW was given the award by the National Association of Social Workers, according to a press release from ValueOptions, a health improvement company. The annual award annually recognizes a Connecticut social worker who has made a recent outstanding contribution to the field.

It was Alston’s work in the area of discharge planning, particularly in helping individuals being released from the correctional system that won her the award, according to the release.

“Her efforts ensure a “softer landing” for those leaving the correctional facility and promote early release for those with very high medical needs who do not pose a threat to the community,” the release says.

Alston’s work represents a huge change in the treatment of inmates with medical needs, according to Stephen A. Karp, MSW, Executive Director of NASW/CT. She was reportedly recognized for creating a partnership between ValueOptions and the Connecticut Department of Corrections to deliver behavioral health, medical services and case management to inmates upon discharge.

“A decade ago it was not uncommon for a severely compromised inmate to complete his or her sentence and be dropped at the emergency room nearest to their home,” Karp said. “As a result of the discharge planning work accomplished by Vickie and her staff, such incidents are very rare today. These improvements require an effective and efficient process of transitional care, and Vickie has led this effort, displaying the highest levels of expertise, commitment, integrity and advocacy.”

Alson has worked as Health Services Administrator of the Transitional Services Program at the University of Connecticut Health Center and is currently Vice President of Health and Wellness for Value Options, Connecticut. She is also an active committee and board member with the National Commission for Correctional Health Care and Academy for Health Care Professionals.