US · guidance
BOP Program Statement 5370.12 § 10
WELLNESS AND HEALTH EDUCATION
In addition to FSA program offerings, institutions must offer diverse programming, to include
those for special populations which address wellness and health education needs. Six separate
program components have been identified and must be offered:
a. Component 1: Structured Exercise. These are scheduled activities offering opportunities
for inmates to participate in regular, moderate levels of exercise. Structured exercise activities
will be monitored by Recreation staff using activity logs.
Activity logs will include:
■ type of activity,
■ location of activity,
■ day and date of activity,
■ duration of time the activity is scheduled,
■ names of inmate participants, and
■ names and signatures of staff monitoring activity daily.
These activities may include organized team and individual sports or physical fitness group
activities requiring registration of individual participants and occurring at a scheduled time and
place.
A system of non-cash incentives, such as certificates, recognition photographs, or consumable
items not sold in the Commissary, may be established to encourage an inmate to pursue a
5370.12 6/22/2026 Federal Regulations from 28 CFR: this type. Implementing instructions: this type. 8
program of regular exercise. The SOR will establish written procedures for incentives provided
for structured exercise programs. Any consumables purchased must be purchased using
authorized government funds.
Guidance for entering inmate participation and completion codes into the applicable Bureau
inmate management system is available on the ESB page of the Bureau’s intranet site.
b. Component 2: Health Awareness Resource Area. The Health Awareness Resource Area is
a designated area in the Recreation department that contains resource materials that further
support physical fitness, wellness, and health education for general and special populations.
Health Awareness Resource Areas must include pamphlets, books, and videos which address the
following eight dimensions of wellness:
■ Intellectual
■ Physical
■ Emotional
■ Social
■ Spiritual
■ Environmental
■ Financial
■ Occupational
c. Component 3: At-Risk Program. Upon referral, Recreation staff will interview, and if
appropriate, counsel the inmate to recommend enrollment in the At-Risk Program. The SOR will
ensure the ESB approved At-Risk Program curriculum, available on the ESB page of the
Bureau’s intranet site, is utilized.
The SOR will ensure at-risk inmates will be formally assessed utilizing health appraisals, fitness
assessments, and exercise program plans. These plans must include:
■ a review of exercise history
■ a fitness assessment
■ recommended recreation programs
The At-Risk Program must be overseen by a staff member who has received specialized training
through a recognized certification program; has a degree in physical education, exercise science,
or other related undergraduate or graduate program; or has personal training credentials.
Enrollment in the At-Risk Program is voluntary.
d. Component 4: Wellness Classes. These are structured classes led by Recreation staff,
contractors, volunteers, or qualified inmates with staff oversight. A list of approved wellness
classes and guidance for entry into the applicable Bureau inmate management system is available
5370.12 6/22/2026 Federal Regulations from 28 CFR: this type. Implementing instructions: this type. 9
on the ESB page of the Bureau’s intranet site.
e. Component 5: Volunteers and Community Resources. This component involves ongoing
program support to the Bureau through community organizations or individuals from colleges,
universities, fitness clubs, hospitals, veteran agencies, or organizations contributing to overall
program effectiveness. The use of volunteers requires compliance with Program Statement
Volunteer Services.
Should any non-federal entity or person offer services or materials free of charge, the Ethics
Office will be consulted in accordance with the Program Statement Acceptance of Donations.
f. Component 6: Leisure Programs and Special Events. Institutions must offer as many
leisure programs as resources allow. Leisure programs include participation in organized and
informal games, sports, physical fitness, table games, hobbycrafts, music programs, and
intramural activities. Special events occur outside normal program activities and provide
opportunities for a leisure, social, or cultural experience.
Institutions must offer a minimum of two health fairs and one special event per site each fiscal
year. The SOR will ensure maintenance of documentation such as sign-in sheets, program flyers,
and a list of outside organizations and/or volunteers. Special event examples are available on the
ESB page of the Bureau’s intranet site.
History
PS 5370.12 dated 2026-06-22
Provenance
- Source
- bop.gov
- Retrieved
- 2026-09-20
- Edition
- bop-ps-2026-09-20
- Content hash
efc8b74a6f0301d69d3faf72bdcfe853344379c0bb951a0b284b58b601df6184
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