Field Days

On the latest episode of Field Days, Greg and Holly sit down with Jeff Anderson, administrator with the Office of Research and Planning, for an update on the Corrections Offender Management System (COMS) roll out. Tune in to find out what's in store for COMS and MDOC staff in 2020!

On the latest episode of Field Days, Chris and Greg sit down with Andrea Rachko with Special Olympics Michigan and Macomb Correctional Law Enforcement Torch Run volunteers Robert Leduc, Frank Sgambati, and Karen Solgot. Listen now for details on upcoming fundraising events and volunteer opportunities, including polar plunges throughout the state, and how staff and their families can join in and make a difference in the life of some amazing Michigan athletes. Field Days Extra: Listen back to when Deputy Director Rus Marlan took the plunge! https://soundcloud.com/field-days/field-days-podcast-deputy-director-marlan-takes-the-plunge

On the latest episode of Field Days, Chris Gautz and Greg Straub give listeners a sneak peek at the upcoming Strategic Plan Progress Report, discuss the statistics behind the steady and safe decline of Michigan's prison population, and give a shout out to retiring Assistant Deputy Director Lloyd Rapelje. View the MDOC Strategic Plan: https://www.michigan.gov/documents/corrections/Corrections_Strategic_Plan_2014-18_456710_7.pdf Previous episodes with Dr. Brian Lovins: https://soundcloud.com/field-days/referees-vs-coaches https://soundcloud.com/field-days/brian-lovins-podcast

On the latest episode of Field Days, Chris Gautz and Greg Straub look at what's ahead for the Michigan Department of Corrections in 2020. Michigan’s prison population continued its steady and safe decline in 2019. Data-driven policies, evidence-based research and the department's Offender Success model all led to the reduction, which brought the state prison population down to a number not seen since the mid-1990s. 2019 was a fantastic year for the Department of Corrections. We're excited to share just a peek of what 2020 will bring!

Join Chris Gautz and Greg Straub for the last Field Days episode of 2019. It was a year of big changes, exciting events, and continued commitment to employee wellness and offender success. A huge thank you and Happy New Year to our 2019 listeners and guests! Miss Michigan USA Photo Credit: Edwin Shaw Photography

The third and final episode of our holiday wellness series is all about appreciation and acceptance. Wellness Unit manager Lynn Gorski and chaplain coordinator Lloyd Scharer return to Field Days to discuss the art of appreciation and, as the new year quickly approaches, how to look back on your 2019 goals and achievements with acceptance and a positive perspective. The MDOC Wellness Unit page: https://www.michigan.gov/corrections/0,4551,7-119-96900---,00.html Please know that you are not alone. Help does exist and is available to you at any time. You can also call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or Safe Call Now at 206-459-3020.

The Field Days Holiday Wellness podcast series continues with a look at the many different ways family, friends, and faith can impact our lives this time of year. On today's episode, Chris and Greg are joined by wellness coordinator Sandi Powell and chaplain coordinator Lloyd Scharer who offer listeners insights on helpful ways to support yourself, your family, and your co-workers during the busy holiday season. The MDOC Wellness page: https://www.michigan.gov/corrections/0,4551,7-119-96900---,00.html

This week, to help celebrate the season, Field Days is kicking off the podcast series Presents, Presence, and Patience during the Holidays - Strategies for Managing Wellness & Self-Care. On today's episode, Chris and Greg sit down with Wellness Unit manager Lynn Gorski and wellness coordinator Lennie Alcorn for an update on the roll-out of the Wellness Unit and to discuss healthy ways of coping with the stress that even the happiest of holiday seasons can bring.

In mid-November, Governor Gretchen Whitmer and members of the Michigan Opioids Task Force announced Michigan's strategy to combat the opioid crisis. More than 20 percent of incarcerated individuals in Michigan have been identified as having an opioid-use disorder and studies show that those released from incarceration are at a higher risk of overdose and death from opioids when they return home. On this episode of Field Days, Bureau of Health Care Services acting administrator Marti Kay Sherry and Substance Abuse Services manager Beth Boyd share details on the department's Medication-Assisted Treatment Program and how it supports offender recovery, reduces overdose and death, and reduces recidivism.

The latest episode of Field Days is the 4th installment in a series tracking the roll out of the new Corrections Offender Management System (COMS). Chris and Greg sit down with Acting Health Care Administrator Marti Kay Sherry and Health Informatics Manager Liz Solomon to discuss the COMS Health Care module and the benefits it will bring to managing prisoner health care needs in Michigan.

On the latest episode of Field Days, Chris and Greg head back to school to learn about the education program at Thumb Correctional and how it's preparing prisoners for success. School principal Jim Gornick and teacher Debbie Laidler share the details of their unique approach to education in prison and how it benefits staff and students alike. Michigan Radio's Stateside program recently spent a day behind the gates with prisoners and staff at Lakeland Correctional. Learn more about their experience with Life on the Inside: https://lakeland.michiganradio.org/

On the latest episode of Field Days, we celebrate Veterans Day with an episode about Blue Star Service Dogs and their training program at Thumb Correctional. Blue Star rescues shelter dogs, trains them through their prison programs, and pairs them with veterans with post traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injury. Listen now to find out how prisoners and staff alike are helping to serve veterans with invisible wounds. For more on Blue Star Service Dogs visit:https://www.bluestarservicedogs.org/ Meet Alan and Boss: https://www.macombdaily.com/lifestyles/service-circuit-veteran-partnered-with-service-dog-thanks-to-blue/article_a182f16a-98e2-11e9-a33d-0fdb5564ce2a.html

Late last week, Field Days hosts Chris Gautz and Greg Straub had the honor of sitting down with Michigan Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist. The Lt. Governor shared details on his work to reform Michigan's criminal justice system, his thoughts on the MDOC Vocational Village programs, and how much he appreciates the hard work and dedication of all state employees. Listen now!

On the latest episode of Field Days, Chris and Greg speak with Warden Noah Nagy and Gregg Bourdo, Project Manager for the Organizational Change Management team on the COMS project. Noah and Gregg share an update on the ongoing COMS roll out and details on the COMS Change Network, an established group of MDOC staff tasked with helping get the entire department ready for COMS.

On the latest episode of Field Days, MDOC Probation Agent and recently crowned Miss Michigan USA, Chanel Johnson chats with Chris and Greg about her pageant win and her plans for the upcoming Miss USA competition in 2020. Make sure to stay tuned after the interview for a shout out to Chanel from a very special guest. Listen now! Photo Credit: Chanel Johnson via Twitter @MissMIUSA