The Iowa Medical and Classification Center (IMCC) is a unique correctional facility located in Coralville, Iowa, that serves as a reception and classification center for the Iowa Department of Corrections. This facility plays a critical role in the state's correctional system, providing medical and mental health services to inmates, as well as conducting comprehensive assessments to determine the appropriate placement and programming for each individual. With a focus on rehabilitation and reentry, the IMCC is designed to address the complex needs of inmates, from physical and mental health to education and job training.
Established in 2005, the IMCC has a capacity to house approximately 900 inmates, with a staff of over 400 employees, including corrections officers, medical professionals, and support personnel. The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art medical and dental facilities, as well as a mental health unit, providing a range of services, including crisis intervention, counseling, and psychiatric care. The IMCC also offers educational and vocational programs, including GED preparation, job training, and substance abuse treatment, aimed at reducing recidivism and promoting successful reentry into society.
Key Points
- The Iowa Medical and Classification Center is a reception and classification center for the Iowa Department of Corrections.
- The facility provides medical and mental health services to inmates, as well as comprehensive assessments for placement and programming.
- The IMCC has a capacity to house approximately 900 inmates and employs over 400 staff members.
- The facility offers educational and vocational programs, including GED preparation, job training, and substance abuse treatment.
- The IMCC is designed to address the complex needs of inmates, from physical and mental health to education and job training, with a focus on rehabilitation and reentry.
Classification and Assessment Process

The classification and assessment process at the IMCC is a critical component of the facility’s operations. Upon arrival, inmates undergo a comprehensive assessment, which includes a medical evaluation, mental health screening, and a review of their criminal history and behavioral patterns. This information is used to determine the inmate’s security level, as well as their programming and treatment needs. The IMCC uses a evidence-based assessment tool, which takes into account a range of factors, including the inmate’s risk of recidivism, their need for treatment and programming, and their potential for rehabilitation.
The assessment process is designed to identify the inmate's strengths and weaknesses, as well as their areas of need, and to develop a personalized plan for their rehabilitation and reentry. This plan may include participation in educational and vocational programs, substance abuse treatment, and mental health counseling, as well as other forms of programming and support. The goal of the classification and assessment process is to ensure that each inmate is placed in the most appropriate facility and program, based on their individual needs and circumstances, and to provide them with the support and resources they need to succeed.
Medical and Mental Health Services
The IMCC provides a range of medical and mental health services to inmates, including emergency care, chronic disease management, and preventive care. The facility has a team of medical professionals, including physicians, nurses, and dentists, who provide routine medical care, as well as specialized services, such as optometry and podiatry. The IMCC also has a mental health unit, which provides crisis intervention, counseling, and psychiatric care to inmates with mental health needs.
In addition to these services, the IMCC offers a range of programs and support groups, aimed at promoting health and wellness, and reducing the risk of recidivism. These programs include substance abuse treatment, anger management, and cognitive-behavioral therapy, as well as educational programs, such as health education and nutrition classes. The facility also provides access to community resources and support services, such as counseling and case management, to help inmates prepare for release and reentry into society.
| Medical Services | Description |
|---|---|
| Emergency Care | 24/7 emergency medical care, including stabilization and treatment of acute conditions |
| Chronic Disease Management | Ongoing management of chronic conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, and asthma |
| Preventive Care | Routine health screenings, vaccinations, and health education |
| Mental Health Services | Crisis intervention, counseling, and psychiatric care for inmates with mental health needs |
| Substance Abuse Treatment | Comprehensive treatment programs for inmates with substance abuse issues |

Education and Vocational Programs

The IMCC offers a range of educational and vocational programs, aimed at promoting education, job training, and employment readiness. These programs include GED preparation, adult basic education, and vocational training, as well as specialized programs, such as culinary arts and horticulture. The facility also provides access to post-secondary education and training, through partnerships with local colleges and universities.
The educational and vocational programs at the IMCC are designed to address the unique needs and interests of each inmate, and to provide them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the workforce. The facility's programs are based on evidence-based practices, and are designed to promote long-term success and reduce the risk of recidivism. By providing inmates with the education and job training they need, the IMCC is able to support their rehabilitation and reentry, and to promote their successful integration into society.
Reentry and Rehabilitation
The IMCC’s reentry and rehabilitation programs are designed to support inmates as they prepare for release and reentry into society. These programs include counseling and case management, as well as access to community resources and support services. The facility also provides inmates with information and assistance, as they prepare to reenter society, including help with housing, employment, and healthcare.
The IMCC's focus on reentry and rehabilitation is critical to reducing recidivism and promoting successful reintegration into society. By providing inmates with the support and resources they need, the facility is able to help them overcome the challenges they face, and to achieve long-term success. The IMCC's reentry and rehabilitation programs are based on evidence-based practices, and are designed to promote long-term success and reduce the risk of recidivism.
What is the purpose of the Iowa Medical and Classification Center?
+The Iowa Medical and Classification Center is a reception and classification center for the Iowa Department of Corrections, providing medical and mental health services to inmates, as well as comprehensive assessments for placement and programming.
What types of programs and services are offered at the IMCC?
+The IMCC offers a range of programs and services, including medical and mental health services, educational and vocational programs, substance abuse treatment, and reentry and rehabilitation programs.
How does the IMCC support rehabilitation and reentry?
+The IMCC supports rehabilitation and reentry by providing inmates with the education, job training, and support services they need to succeed in the workforce and in their communities, and by helping them to overcome the challenges they face as they prepare to reenter society.