Healthcare In Prisons

How does healthcare in prison stack up?

From Imprisoned Women’s Concepts of Health and Illness: The Implications for policy on Patient

I feel as though, from reading this article and discussing healthcare with the women at ICIW, women understand that they need better health care! It is just the matter of how to really incorporate it and highlighting it to others who have the power to help, but do not realize that this is serious issue. Below I have taken several excerpts from the text in order to prove that there are several different ways to help several different problems that arise within the women’s prison system.

One thing I have found within the article is there is a lack of education for women. There is no way for them to learn or expand their knowledge in regards to their own healthcare or in regards to “street” knowledge in light of how to live a healthy lifestyle. For example, within the text a woman’s response about health care was, “The drug itself does nothing. It’s the way you neglect yourself because you’re taking drugs.’’ This statement clearly shows that there needs to be better education- drugs do cause harm to one’s body, thoughts, and emotions. Women NEED to gain this knowledge in order to be successful when they reenter into society otherwise this is just another reason why women relapse and end up returning to the prison system.

However, I did notice within this statement, “while women took a positive view of health, seeing it as a resource not just an absence of disease, they were still able to accurately identify the key health problems facing women prisoners: drug addiction, mental health problems, and self-harm,” that they Do understand they need help. In fact they are asking for it in multiple ways without actually verbally stating that they want it (and my hypothesis is that they do not want to ask because they do not want to feel beneath anyone or feel like they are weak). So, maybe if we offer help and flat out ask what they need for healthcare in light of specific issues that they find to be the most important, then we could integrate programs that are effective- not at waste of money!!

Prison Healthcare

“Offenders are more likely to have learning disabilities, experience mental health problems, or have problems with drugs and alcohol, so many of the roles in prison healthcare focus on addressing these issues. With 72 percent of male and 70 per cent of female prisoners suffering from two or more mental disorders, some of the most challenging and rewarding roles in mental health nursing and psychiatry are in prison health. Of women sent to prison, almost 40 per cent say they have attempted suicide, so therapists and counselors and are also needed to help people at what can be a very low time in their life.”…I feel like this is almost a duh statement because this is stuff that is published everywhere, but no one does anything about it! Again, as I feel like I am repeating myself, in order to prevent these high percentages or issues with women in prison we need better rehabilitation programs that offer lifestyle, “street,” tactics that encourage and educate women to become better individuals because many DO need the help- it is not common sense for everyone especially when individuals have been incarcerated because they have been left out of society’s loop for a long duration of time… HELP WOMEN IN PRISON!

Hidden in Hell: Women in Prison

“Typically related to poverty, addiction, or prolonged abuse by men, women prisoners are disproportionately unhealthy to begin with. They have higher rates of HIV infection than all prisoners, who are collectively five times more likely to have AIDS than the general U.S. population. As many as 60 percent are infected with the hepatitis C virus. In defense of prison health providers, CMS spokesman Ken Fields says treating them is no simple matter, as incarceration is often "the first regular access prisoners have had to health care."”…..This was crazy to read! And it makes me feel like, once again, nothing is being done to help them rehabilitate and enter back into society as a bettered individual!

“Incarceration, however, can "increase the risk of infection, sexual assault, and improper medical care, or contribute to post-traumatic stress, disorder," according to the American Journal of Public Health. This statement transcends public and privately run facilities alike. Rape of women prisoners is rampant and often occurs with impunity. As many as one in four women have been raped in some facilities, according to the national organization Stop Prisoner Rape. Male prison employees routinely abuse their authority by exchanging "privileges" — such as food, basic hygiene products, or time with visiting family — for sex.”…..I found this to be completely disgusting that there is rape by the prison guards! It got me wondering if it happens at ICIW. I mean I could see it happening due to there being creep male prison guards(for instance that man that was showing us the lock-down units-EWW!), but as chatty, cliquey, and gossipy the women are I do not see the men getting away with it. It is totally outrageous that this shit happens!! I mean seriously men would stoop that low!? Ha that is a stupid question…Yet, just another reason why women’s prisons need to be taken care of in a much better way-it could avoid soooo many things down the road and could even prevent women from entering the prison system in the first place.

Women of the World

• We (the U.S.) have the highest incidence and deaths from breast cancer per 100,000 women (2000-2004), yet we do not have sufficient health in women’s prisions?
• There are up to 700,000 estimated rapes that occur in the USA each year, yet we do not find this to be important (meaning: treating the aftermath) outside and inside women’s prisons?
• We (the U.S.) the largest cosmetic market (in 2007), yet we do not teach health beauty to women in or outside of prison?

As I found these stats looking through the text, it almost angered me. I noticed so much we are not doing for women of today in not only the U.S., but throughout the entire world! The three most shocking stats that I found to be the most important to our prison studies are listed above. This shocked me because I felt like if there are women in prison, they are obviously there for a reason. So, why not help them to be better people when released back into society? These are obvious issues (that could be prevented) if there was more education about bettering oneself for not only society, but for them, their families, and their future. For example, if there was a better health care system within the prisons women could learn how to correctly perform personal breast exams to make sure, if they do find a lump, they catch it in early stages, women could learn ways to protect themselves from assault if caught in a situation where rape or abuse could occur, or women could learn how to better take care of themselves in which they would learn how to be a healthy individual and to not self sooth because they are not how they want to look or not the person they want to be. These are very simple things that could be incorporated and it could do an immense about of help to women across the country or even around the world!....Ugh it just frustrates me that there is no help sometimes for the individuals who truly need it, want it, and are thankful for it.

Chapter Ten: Care as a Cause- Framing the 21st century Mother’s Movement

When reading this chapter I kept thinking of several things: what I have learned throughout the semester in this course, what I have learned throughout the semester in my Work/Family Institutions course, and how I was raised.

This course:

“The normative model” (I do not know if this is the actual name or not) that Hamington and Miller describe, states that a specific quality and quantity of maternal devotion are essential for the optimal growth and development of children. I connected this with the women that we work with at ICIW in which many do not get this chance to have the right quality and quantity of devotion to their children due to incarceration. It brought me to the question- how can this improve for mothers who are incarcerated? I thought that since this is essential for families, and could possibly improve the rehabilitation process of the incarcerated, there needs to be a family center within women’s prisons. With a family center within the prison (including a place for new born babies, a place for toddlers, and a visiting area) this could really improve a family’s bonding time- to the point where the incarcerated may able to keep their children, rather than giving them to foster care or have that connection even though they are a distance apart.

It’s just a thought and I did not go through the details, but I do think it would help the connection between mothers and their children.

Work/Family Institutions

            The Work/Family course basically took this chapter and incorporated it throughout the entire semester! It was great to really see the nitty gritty because a lot of it I thought I knew, but I really did not.  I definitely learned a lot of what was in the chapter through that class, but it was good to see another source back that information up. J

Growing up

As I read this chapter I kept thinking about my mom. She divorced my father when my brother and I were at a young age, basically making her a single mom. She made sure we had the world, but I never realized what she had to do to make that happen until I was older…She worked her tail off to make sure that we had everything we wanted, were in everything we wanted to be in, and had all of the things that went along with each age. But I never realized that that was the impossible that some mothers couldn’t do. She made sure that she: had a career, dated, found time to be with friends, and enjoyed her life…all with two elementary age kids! Although, as I have seen that others can/do struggle with motherhood, I respect her and look up to her far more than anyone else in my life because of what she sacrificed for to have the best family she could!

Chapter One: Vicious Circles of Privatized Caring

In reading chapter one, I came across several excerpts that really triggered my thinking and in fact, brought upon some reasoning, within my own opinion, as to why it is so hard for individuals (incarcerated or not) to achieve equality within out American system.

Excerpt One:

The fist except I really took a liking to stated, “For a variety of complex reasons …people are not likely to recognize the care imbalance as a result of unequal power, economic and social inequality, and patterns of discrimination. Thus, they are unlikely to see that the care imbalance requires social responsibility and a collective response (Hamington and Miller, pg 15).” I thought this just summarized everything about care and why individuals struggle in addition to why there even is just a thing as care inequality! I mean, now I want to note this is just my opinion, individuals expect care on some level, but do they realize where that care is coming from? It is not just something that magically appears, as I believe that some individuals do think this way; other individuals have to care for people as their job, money has to be contributed to government funding, insurance, or funding is from out-of pocket. It just frustrates me that individuals do not see beyond their own needs to notice that this is a root of other issues at hand!!!!!

Care is a group effort, as it will be until time ends, and I just want people to understand that- it should not be expected unless there are individuals contributing….I could probably ramble on and on about this and how people are greedy and do not see the social responsibility in caring! But it is simple- if you want to be cared for, at some point you have to care for someone else and if we (as a country) stop worrying about who is ahead and who is not then we could realize that this inequality is a serious problem that needs to be addressed and taken care of within the entire realm of the country.

It’s like that old saying... if you give a little, you get a little. J

Excerpt Two:

            The second excerpt came from the conclusion section of the chapter in which I thought it brought a simple summarization of how to begin the task of caring for a nation; it states, “…This is not to say that care would be equal, but that the problem of care inequalities could be become a collective problem that we care about (Hamington and Miller, pg21).” I love this statement because, to me, it is saying that “care” is something that individuals do not care necessarily care about as a social realm/issue, but if the word could get out there that we could care about “care,” then more could be accomplished! I guess I more-so see it as: if “care” is not popular, then individuals do not care about “caring.” “Care” must become a popular force on a societal level in which individuals participate in the economic, social, and power level inequalities all in order to help “care” for others.

            At times I feel as though I get go back and forth between opinions (probably as you can see above), but it is hard to know what is right and wrong for society when individuals have so many ideals, motivations, morals, etc… that all coordinate with their own selfishness. I am by no means saying I am perfect or that I have the answer, but I just wish that “care” was not devalued the way it is today because if it was not there would not be this problem!

Article Reflection and Research

Article Reflection:
Due to my research below on Illinois newer mom and baby program, I chose to read "Babies are Pampered in Prison." I find this to be such a great opportunity for women who want to work on their lives, parent their own child, and start back up within society on a new path. Although it does seem expensive, I think this is one program that does and will work compared to many other programs out there that have higher incarceration return rates. It inspires me to want to do more with women and children within the prison setting!!

Research:
When looking for some examples of different ways that states and/or countries help the connection between children on the "outside" and parents whom are in prison, I came across several different programs, support efforts, and acts that sparked my attention within our own government system in the U.S. that seemed to provide some action.  Below I have listed and summarized a variety of courses:

Parents in Prison- A family-support program that began in the Tennessee State Prison in response to inmate's concern regarding neglect and child abuse relevant to men who are in prison. This service is provided by an inmate committee that is overlooked and guided by a community advisory board and an institutional sponsor. The program consists of: classroom/correspondence courses, monthly events, guest speakers, and family infused social activities. All of these "lessons" are to address problems/issues that surface when a father is in prison as well as how to help when he is released in order to keep and/or improve his relationship with his child(ren). A very positive and uplifting family-support program that seems to have a good course outline that really demonstrates how important it is for fathers to communicate, build, give-back, get ahead for when they are released. (Info from sciencdirect.com)

Moms and Babies- A program implemented in Illinois in 2007, after a seven year long process, that provides support for mothers and babies in which after the mothers have their child, within prison walls, they are allowed 6 weeks without a work assignment (a prison maternity leave) and then they set into a scheduled routine that helps with caring for the child, themselves, as well as prepares them for release. They are housed within the "Mom and Babies Unit" where they are able to stay with their child, the baby is cared for, and it is a positive environment for a child to begin their life (of course as best they can with a mother in prison). This is an amazing program that has been created not only because of the great family-support, learning services, and guidance for the mothers, but the women whom have gone through this process have not returned to corrections! The Decatur Correctional Center, who has implemented this program within their facility, is medium-security prison holding about 500 inmates and from the 25 that have graduated from this program ZERO have returned. If this could spark more facilities to participate with mother-baby programs, this could truly enhance a women's desire to seek education, career, and to maintain a positive lifestyle for not only her child, but for herself too! (Info from pantagraph.com)

Second Chance Act- In 2008 the act passed authorizing a yearly allowance, on state and local levels, to implement programs that help with society reentry services. I had no idea that this even existed; I would be interested in seeing statics for which programs/services worked and what the return rates were back into incarceration because it is not just the money that has to work, the programs have to be helpful as well (a team effort!). However, it seems as though it is a start and for the fiscal year of 2011 the proposal is as follows:
On July 22, 2010, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved an appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2011 that allocates $50 million for Second Chance Act programs. The bill, which contains $29.9 billion in total budget authority, provides $3.7 billion for state and local law enforcement programs and also includes:

• $11 million for the Mentally Ill Offender Treatment and Crime Reduction Act
• $520 million for Byrne Justice Assistance Grants
• $214 million for Byrne Discretionary Grants
• $40 million for Byrne Competitive Grants
• $586 million for Community Oriented Policing Service Grants
• $45 million for drug courts
• $20 million for residential substance abuse treatment for state prisoners
• $300 million for the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program
• $468 million for the Office on Violence Against Women
• $490 million for juvenile justice and delinquency prevention
• $468 million to prevent violence against women
• $400 million to prevent, investigate, and prosecute crimes against children under the Adam Walsh Act
• $841 million for the Crime Victims Fund

(Info from reentrypolicy.org)

Chapter 7 Analysis and Reflection

Ahhh, I completely forgot to blog about Chapter 7 ("From 'Giving Care' to "Taking Care': Negotiating Care Work at Welfare's End) and I am so very sorry for possibly delaying anyone's comments for their participation grade!

Anyways, when reading this chapter I had so many different thoughts running through my head: welfare is bad, welfare is good, because of stereotypes welfare gets a bad rap, people need to have jobs, welfare is getting out of control, there needs to be other programs implemented so welfare is not clung to by so many, and the list could go on. I just did not/probably still do not know what my true opinion was because there is so much information within what Hamingtion and Miller discuss (policy's, interviews, stereotypes, etc...) in addition to our class, and another class that I am currently taking (Work and Family Institutions). But to play devils advocate, below I have reflected on both positives and negatives of the reading, opinions, and other information that I have been educated on.

My first thoughts: I honestly thought that what the chapter was discussing was a bunch of crap (for the lack of a better word) and was being very unrealistic in some cases. Now, I know that sounds extremely harsh, but at times the book would state that women need to be able to have care-giving roles without stressing or struggling with providing for their family -however- as I have learned through my current classes and other readings that women are fighting for a spot in the workforce (fight for equal pay, benefits, career positions, etc...) But without a job or means to provide, how do single mothers or even coupled mothers expect to support their children; I hope not solely off government assistance. I mean I could be way wrong here in my opinion and there could be many more variables within each of these statements, but I just kept thinking while I was reading how confused I was about what women were fighting for? I guess at the end I ultimately feel like women want the best of both worlds and I understand that, who doesn't want that, but where is the compromise? No one can have everything! ---This sounds extremely bad/wrong/harsh/evil and I am just voicing my confusion, but in a perfect world what do these (as in welfare women, career women, homemakers, second shift mothers, etc...)women want?

So, after all of my  negative thoughts and opinions, I took a moment and reflected on the concerns that need to be addressed regarding mothers, welfare, and the workforce.

Second thoughts: I understand that there are many women and mothers whom want to work, have a career, and support their children, but it should not solely be about financials. Mothers should be able to support their children by care-giving as well. This is where welfare and other programs need to refine their policies in order to meet the needs of mothers today, not the mothers of the 1990's or even before. Things have changed and women want jobs, want to be involved, want to support their children, but without some extra help from childcare facilities, schools, neighborhoods, and their personal jobs it makes the struggle of providing even more of a struggle. Not to mention that communities of low-income or oppression have additional concerns regarding safety, current/good education, active child programs, as well as other things that are taken into consideration with analyzing any neighborhood or community. Overall, I would love to see communities straighten up, jobs promote mothers (giving equal pay, maternity paid leave, flex hours if the child is younger, etc..), have affordable childcare facilities, incorporate active learning and exercise for children, etc... All of these suggestions I believe would help the battle that mothers have between their jobs and their children.

Ugh so many things need to be improved! People need to want this, want to help, want to participate, want to have a voice, and see a change. Without this there won't ever be change that truly helps those in need.

American Electra Reading.

Hello all!
Earlier this morning I wrote a post and when I went to go post it, somehow all of my writing got deleted so, I apologize if this one is not as reflective (a.k.a. sloppy)- I promise I will have more input during our discussion!

When reading the "American Electra" reading by Susan Faludi I had so many emotions! I did not know if I agreed with the "new young" feminist generation or if I believed that the "older" generation still had their point to make. But I think that Latifa Lyles made and excellent point when she stated, "There is

great strength and power in our image not as the first, second, or third wave, but the wave of the future.” This statement of hers put things in perspective for me. I believe she is saying that it is not about the young, old, or any age or generation in-between; it is about the feminist ideals as a cause. They need to fight together to have a solid future! :)

After taking Lyles statement into account, it really opened things up for me. I do not necessarily believe that people (within the feminist position) need to take sides regarding the feminist ideals, but rather be more understanding. The older generation needs to realize that there is a newer generation that have been raised different: with different ideals, morals, innovative thoughts/opinions, etc... While the younger generation needs to realize that the older generation was raise differently and as their stand point may seem outdated, that is how and what they believe in due to experience, generational norms, as well as other aspects of life that contributed to their feminist position. The generational gap will continue to grow and people of all ages need to be able to accept and/or listen to those whom can bring new ideas into their group.

Recently, I have actually had an experience regarding a generational gap; although, it was not about feminist positions or theories, it was about the familial structure. Earlier this week I went to my grandmother's house to interview her for a class assignment. As we were discussing my classes and what not, she asked me what I was going to do after I graduated in May.I told her of my plans of moving to Chicago, moving in with my boyfriend, hopefully finding a good job/internship, and later applying for grad-school. But to my surprise she responded with a, "So, you are getting married this summer?" I kind of laughed and said, "No grandma, we are going to try the moving in thing first. We know that we will eventually get married, but just not right now." She looked at me with a blank stare and commented with a smirk on her face saying, "Okay, I guess I just don't understand you kids anymore." As I really wanted to tell her off ( I mean politely explain to her...) that things were different these days and that many many people live together with out getting married first; in fact most seem to do that to test out the waters a bit before they take the plunge into marriage. But I had to reassess and realize that my grandparents did not grow up that way. They lived apart until they got married, just like many others did in their times, so, it is difficult for her to understand that things like maybe different now.

So, as I now know how frustrating this was within my own life, I can completely understand how hard it is for two different generations to agree/come together for a common cause when there are two separate generational ideals floating around. However, it seems as if there is additional problems affecting the feminist cause; the media. Flaudi stated that, "...the media are, indeed, glad to apply a bellows to any argument between women; they have been pumping up the young-old female conflict for years now." The media hypes up any account or fight between two women when they can in order to add drama and question to our social norms. Which in turn produces tension and firm opinions then creating a division amongst a group rather than unity. But why would the media do this? I do not understand...

As there are many more points that Flaudi states within her article, but I found that the generational gap was the most interesting due to my own current experience. I hope we are able to discuss this article more in depth because it brings up alot of thoughts, opinions, as well as different ideals of those who are amongst the feminist group as well as just contributing as an outsider.

Can wait to see what the Walk for the Cure is like tomorrow!

Diveristy Dialog...

Hello Ladies!

I was unable to make it to the diversity dialog last Friday because I had family plans that involved leaving town for the weekend. So, I obviously cannot blog about the experience that I had with Linda at the diversity dialog circle, but it sounds like it was amazing! As I read your blogs I became upset that I could not make it and now  I am going to try and catch one so I can gain the experience you guys had last week :) Sorry I do not have much to say this week for the blog, but I really enjoyed reading all of yours! Please let me know what your favorite part of the circle was so I know what I can look forward to.
Thanks and again sorry I do not have anything to reflect on this week...