Award recognizes more than three decades of leadership and service in correctional behavioral healthcare

TOPEKA, Kan., Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — VitalCore today announced that Dr. Deborah Schult, deputy executive medical officer of behavioral health, received the 2026 People Helping People Award from the American Board of Correctional Psychology (ABCP), recognizing her longstanding contributions to behavioral healthcare within the nation’s correctional systems.

Presented annually by the board’s founder and president Dr. Dean Aufderheide during the American Correctional Association’s Congress, the award honors a correctional psychologist whose professional career exemplifies a sustained commitment to serving others, advancing the profession and improving behavioral healthcare in correctional settings.

“‘This award is at the heart of what we do in correctional behavioral health,” said Schult. “Whether providing the services directly, or guiding, supporting and resourcing the staff who engage daily with our patients, it has always been clear to me that we have the greatest impact on the lives of people who are hurting by helping each other. It truly takes a multidisciplinary team to uplift others in our industry, and I am pleased and honored to be recognized as part of that helping spirit.”

With more than 30 years of experience in correctional healthcare, Schult has dedicated her career to addressing the complex behavioral health needs of incarcerated individuals and strengthening the systems and professionals responsible for their care.

Prior to joining VitalCore, Schult held leadership positions with the Federal Bureau of Prisons, where she helped oversee the administration of healthcare services within the federal correctional system. Her experience across both jail and prison environments has provided her with extensive insight into the clinical, operational, and organizational challenges associated with delivering behavioral healthcare in correctional settings.

“What distinguishes Deb is not only the depth of her expertise, but her ability to translate that expertise into meaningful improvements in clinical practice, building stronger multidisciplinary teams and establishing advanced systems of care,” said Dr. Lorelei Ammons, executive clinical advisor and co-founder of VitalCore. “This recognition is exceptionally well deserved, and we are so fortunate to have her leadership at VitalCore.”

In her current role at VitalCore, Schult provides executive leadership and clinical guidance for behavioral health services, supporting multidisciplinary teams in the delivery of comprehensive, patient-centered care. Her work reflects VitalCore’s commitment to strengthening behavioral health services and advancing the quality of healthcare available to individuals in correctional facilities.

“Throughout her career, she has shown a steadfast commitment to clinical best practices, professional integrity, and improving the lives of individuals entrusted to our care,” said Ammons. “Dr. Schult represents the best of correctional behavioral healthcare leadership.”

The American Board of Correctional Psychology promotes professional excellence in correctional psychology through certification and the establishment of standards for education, training, experience and ethical practice. The organization’s People Helping People Award recognizes professionals whose contributions have made a meaningful impact on the field and the individuals it serves.

About VitalCore
VitalCore is a leading provider of comprehensive correctional healthcare services, delivering innovative, evidence-based care designed to improve outcomes for patients and strengthen the operations of correctional facilities. Through a commitment to clinical excellence, operational efficiency and compassionate care, VitalCore partners with correctional systems to build safe, healthier communities. For more information about VitalCore, visit the website at www.vitalcorehs.com.

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SOURCE VitalCore