Medical staff at six Philadelphia correctional facilities have gone nearly a month without pay after their employer, YesCare, filed for bankruptcy, prompting the city to step in with emergency support.
Friday, May 22, 2026 2:46AMMedical staff at six Philadelphia correctional facilities have gone nearly a month without pay after their employer, YesCare, filed for bankruptcy, prompting the city to step in with emergency support.
"Stressful," one employee said, describing the strain of continuing to work without income. City officials organized a food drive to assist the unpaid workers, distributing groceries and gift cards.
"You don't mess with people's paychecks when we're dealing with an affordability crisis in every way imaginable! " Mayor Cherelle Parker said. The company provides medical, dental, and behavioral health services at more than 475 correctional facilities nationwide. In Philadelphia, that includes all four State Road prisons, the city's juvenile justice center, and the police department's detention unit.
Despite the lapse in pay, many workers have continued reporting for duty.
"They are tremendously dedicated to their jobs, their profession, and the people here they take care of," said Philadelphia Department of Prisons Commissioner Michael R. Resnick. Local organizations and businesses contributed food and funds for the city-organized drive. The organizations that contributed were: Philabundance, Share Food, Sharing Excess, and Caring for Friends.
"We reached out to the administration, and they made all of this happen," Resnick said. Byrd was grateful for the help as she joined coworkers picking up food and gift cards from the distribution inside a gymnasium at Riverside. On Thursday, a bankruptcy court judge approved the city's request to provide funds to cover pay for the 375 workers affected.
"The city of Philadelphia is wiring money to YesCare today so that the workers can be paid immediately. Immediately!
" Parker said. City officials said ensuring uninterrupted medical care for incarcerated people remains a priority while also supporting the workers who provide it. Food distributions are also taking place at other correctional facilities impacted by the bankruptcy. Copyright © 2026 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.
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