CCA names Dr. John Baxter Vice President, Health Services

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Corrections Corporation of America (CCA), operators of the North Georgia Detention Center in Gainesville, announces the appointment of Dr. John Baxter to Vice President, Health Services. Dr. Baxter formerly served as Director, Mental Health Services for CCA. He replaces the retiring Herb Spiwak.<br /> <br /> "It is an honor and great privilege to lead CCA's dedicated team of health care professionals. CCA offers the unique opportunity to serve society and our partners as we provide effective care to persons in need," said Dr. Baxter. "The work we accomplish together improves health, eases suffering, and saves lives daily. I'm humbled and deeply grateful for the opportunity to engage with others in this effort."<br /> <br /> Dr. Baxter brings more than 30 years of experience working in correctional health care. Prior to his joining CCA in 2008, he worked for 24 years for the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) in a variety of roles, including as the agency's Psychology Services Administrator.<br /> <br /> In his new position as Vice President of Health Services, Dr. Baxter is tasked with the responsibility of overseeing inmate medical, mental health, and dental care services, pharmaceutical management, and off-site specialty care and hospitalization services for over 52,000 inmates.<br /> <br /> "CCA brings together the best people in the industry, who are very creative in meeting the challenges we face," Baxter added. "The support of our coworkers in security, programs, unit management and other operations makes a huge difference in the quality of care we are able to provide."<br /> <br /> In addition to the unique role security plays in providing quality inmate health care, Dr. Baxter understands that the evolving landscape of health care will weigh heavily in the decision-making processes of his new role.<br /> <br /> "The landscape of health care is changing, and that brings challenges as well as great opportunities to build relationships with staff and others that support our critical processes," said Dr. Baxter. "Our staff do an exceptional job currently, by every policy and accreditation standard, and I look forward to building on that solid foundation."<br /> <br /> Dr. Baxter has a doctoral degree in human development counseling from Vanderbilt University and a master's degree from Harding Graduate School of Religion. He is a member of the American Correctional Association, where he serves as an elected mental health representative to the Delegate Assembly, as a member of the Healthcare Committee, and Chairs ACA's Mental Health Committee. He is also a member of the American Psychological Association.

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