Barriers to Quality Healthcare During Incarceration and Reentry

Описание: Over 600,000 people return home from U.S. prisons each year and the majority have healthcare needs. Approximately 84% of incarcerated men and 92% of women have at least one chronic physical condition, mental illness, or substance-use disorder. Yet healthcare behind bars is often limited, and the stresses and harsh conditions of incarceration can exacerbate these conditions.

Once back in the community, formerly incarcerated individuals face barriers to accessing necessary care. People leave prison without medications, medical records, or follow-up appointments. These gaps in care have serious consequences. Untreated conditions can escalate into health crises, and untreated mental health or addiction issues often lead to relapses or re-incarceration, undermining individuals’ chances for a successful reentry. This episode examines the healthcare hurdles people face during incarceration and reentry and explores ways to overcome them.

Our guests are Wanda Bertram, communications strategist at the Prison Policy Initiative which produces "cutting-edge research to expose the broader harm of mass criminalization." Also Dr. Sandhya Kumar who is a family doctor working in shelters, mobile units, and as part of street medicine teams. She trains other doctors to provide the highest quality of care to some of our most marginalized neighbors.