HEALTH RESTORATION ADVOCATES
(a nonprofit organization serving Arkansas in collaboration with the Arkansas Department of Health.)
Health Restoration Advocates' initiative is to facilitate medical care for reentrants (newly released inmates and detainees) with infectious diseases. The primary objective is the successful treatment of Hepatitis C, comorbidities like HIV, and others, with a holistic approach that hopes to impact recidivism rates positively. HRA believes a symbiosis (relationship) between these desired results is strategically crucial to the patient's success.
About
Welcome to HRA's initiative, in collaboration with the Arkansas Department of Health, to help reentrants find healing. HRA draws its purpose and objectives primarily from its founder's experience in practicing medicine in a correctional setting.
Dr. Marty Hearyman, MD, CCHP, has over 23 years of experience as a physician, thirteen years in private family practice, and 8.5 years (August 2014 to January 2023) as the site Medical Director at the North Central Unit in Calico Rock, AR (Arkansas Department of Corrections). Over the past decade, he has provided medical care through multiple telemedicine platforms. Most recently, from January 2023 to June 2024, Dr. Hearyman served as the Director of Telehealth for an FQHC. He resigned from that position to work full-time on HRA's initiative. During Dr. Hearyman's time with the Arkansas Department of Corrections, he managed a large number of inmates with Hepatitis C (HCV) and has extensive continued education in the evaluation and preparation for HCV treatment via the University of Alabama School of Medicine, sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
​
Before medical corrections and private family practice, he was a high school teacher and coach. Central to his practice of medicine are the educational and motivational aspects of helping patients take ownership of their health and empowering them to participate in a joint decision-making process. This patient-centric process involves engaging in an informed risk/benefit discussion and implementing a healthcare plan for those needing inspiration and encouragement to embrace a more proactive approach to optimize their health.
During Dr. Hearyman's time with the Arkansas Department of Corrections, he observed numerous inmates returning to prison with HCV. Many of these inmates failed to pursue treatment for HCV after their previous release. The inmate's explanations for not pursuing treatment after their release varied. Each inmate had a unique story, and their motivating factors (or lack thereof) differed. Each had different circumstances and struggles. HRA believes that the most effective preventative care incorporates the state of the human spirit. Medical intervention can help manage underlying biological problems, but it will never heal the wounds of a broken spirit. This is stated as a matter of recognition of the complexity of humankind. Healing is not a product or service to be offered. It is an invitation to be seen, heard, and cared for in addition to receiving medical treatment for recognized medical diagnoses.​
​
Medical treatment for HCV (and co-morbid infections) can save lives and our state money and resources. HRA hopes that improving recidivism rates is a fruit of a holistic approach that includes behavioral health, the Medication Assisted Treatment program (addiction treatment), and other support made available by HRA and its partners in this initiative.
​
Dr. Hearyman's LinkedIn Profile.
Hepatitis C Treatment
for the never incarcerated population.
It has come to our attention since July of 2024 that there is also a significant need for HCV treatment among the non-reentrant population. We have been approached by others in the medical world asking if we can provide services to those needing HCV treatment who are having a difficult time finding a clinician that will provide treatment for their HCV. If you are one of these patients or you are with a healthcare related organization that needs help providing treatment for HCV please contact us so we can begin a conversation about how we can colaborate to meet these needs.
IDENTIFYING THOSE IN GREATEST NEED
Success will be created through establishing relationships with newly released inmates who have HCV, HIV, and other co-morbidities.
​
Providing medical treatment for HCV and co-morbidities is the initial objective, with the greater goal of holistically improving their health and lives and impacting the recidivism and re-infection rates.
HOLISTIC CARE & PLANNING
Recognizing that the patient is a human, not a disease.
​
Identifying the additional obstacles that are contingent on the patient's success.
Behavioral Health and the MAT program (addiction treatment) are important pieces of the puzzle.
MEASURING, CELEBRATING & MAINTAINING SUCCESS
Professional Guidance.
Nutritional, Mental, Social & Spiritual Support - aimed at gaining and maintaining success.