ACA 156th Congress of Correction: A Week We Won’t Forget
Updated: Aug 20
Last week, the CHW team attended the ACA 156th Congress of Correction in Pittsburgh, bringing EMPOWER to the US correctional market for the first time.
It was a big step for us.
We’ve spent the last few years developing EMPOWER with a clear ambition: to make access to health and wellbeing support more accessible, engaging and relevant for people living and working in correctional settings.
So, being in Pittsburgh and having the opportunity to showcase what we’ve built, meet people working across the sector and hear directly about the challenges and priorities in the US was incredibly valuable.
And there was plenty to take away.
We had some really positive conversations with people who understand the importance of taking a more holistic approach to health and wellbeing in corrections. We heard different perspectives, learned more about the US market and had some great discussions about where digital solutions can support both individuals and facilities.
For us, that’s what these events are really about.
Yes, it’s about showcasing EMPOWER. But it’s also about listening, learning and building relationships.
We came away with new connections, new ideas and a number of conversations that we’ll be continuing over the coming weeks.
A few highlights
One of the real highlights was reconnecting with familiar faces, including Mike Bird, who many will know from his time in the UK prison service and who is now doing some great work internationally.
We also had the opportunity to connect with colleagues and organisations outside of the exhibition hall.
Thank you to Securus Technologies and Aventiv Technologies for having us at their evening at Shorty’s, and to Aramark for inviting us to their event at the Pittsburgh Penguins stadium.
Both were brilliant opportunities to meet people, continue conversations and make new connections in a more relaxed setting.
And a special thank you to Jessica Roquemore for her time, knowledge and mentoring. Her understanding of the US and international correctional market has been incredibly valuable and we’re very grateful for her support.
Looking ahead
Coming into ACA, our focus was on introducing EMPOWER to a new market.
We’re leaving with a much better understanding of that market, a growing network of connections and a clearer sense of where we can add value.
There is, of course, still a lot to do. Building relationships, developing partnerships and entering a new market takes time. But the conversations we had in Pittsburgh have given us plenty to build on.
And one thing that came through strongly is that the need for a more holistic approach to health and wellbeing in corrections is universal.
It’s not just about one area of support. It’s about physical health and fitness, mental wellbeing, rehabilitation, education, healthy living, useful information and giving people greater access to resources that can support them in making positive changes.
That’s the thinking behind EMPOWER — bringing five core pathways together in one digital platform, while giving facilities greater visibility of engagement and how resources are being used.
We’re excited to see where the conversations from Pittsburgh take us.
If you didn’t catch us at ACA but would like to find out more about EMPOWER and what it could look like within your facility, get in touch. We’d be very happy to show you around.
And finally, a huge thank you to the CHW team.
This wasn’t the easiest week. Between cancelled flights, a lost exhibition stand, lost luggage, tornado warnings and technical issues, there were certainly a few moments when we questioned what else could possibly go wrong.
But the team kept going, adapted to whatever was thrown at us and remained focused on why we were there.
For a small team travelling a long way from home, I couldn’t be prouder of how we represented CHW and EMPOWER.
Pittsburgh was a big step for us.
And it feels like the start of something very positive.
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