Program helps ex-inmates reintegrate

December 31, 2008

The program, through the Hepatitis Support Network, offers health and economic

services

By Star-Bulletin staff

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Dec 29, 2008

The Hepatitis Support Network of Hawaii has established a program to help

ex-offenders reintegrate into the community with social, health and economic

services.

Andy Botts, director of the Prisoner Reintegration and Family Reunification

program, will see relatives of ex-offenders and prisoners from 9 to 11 a.m. on

Mondays and Thursdays at 1286 Queen Emma St.

The program started Dec. 18.

Botts became involved with the Hepatitis Support Network after learning he had

hepatitis C when tested in prison.

He was treated and cured by Dr. Alan Tice, medical director of Infections

Limited Hawaii.

A nonviolent drug offender, Botts had been in and out of institutions, including

five years in a Thai prison, a release from the network said.

Botts will join with volunteers and faith-based and community organizations to

help ex-offenders and their families.

" Costwise, a sensible approach to the management of nonviolent offenders would

be better on the outside of a prison instead of inside, " Tice said.

He said treatment for infectious diseases such as hepatitis C " can change a

person's perspective on life. "

Free hepatitis screening can be obtained by calling 373-3488. Three sites in

Honolulu offer treatment: Physician's Office Building III, Waikiki Health Center

and the Kalihi-Palama Health Center, according to the network.

For more information or an appointment with Botts, call 942-4276.

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