Louisiana is one of the states with the highest incarceration rates, with a total of 28,387 incarcerations (Department of Public Safety and Corrections, 2020). African Americans make up the highest percentage rates of individuals being incarcerated, followed by Caucasian Americans (Department of Public Safety and Corrections, 2020). With such a massive amount of incarcerations, physical and mental health disparities are at an all time high. There have been several barriers that have led to these horrific instances. One of which is a lack of qualified healthcare workers and providers to properly treat these individuals and their illnesses, and the lack of tools and funding for specific care and service delivery (Loyola University, 2021). According to the the Louisiana State Department of Public Safety and Corrections (2024), the health disparities often seen in prisoners within the state of Louisiana are hypertension (HTN), Type I and II Diabetes, coronary heart disease, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), renal disease, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and Hepatitis C.
Approximately 60% of inmates in Louisiana institutions suffer with mental health disorders, of which majority of the diagnosis are depression and anxiety, often leading to suicidal and homicidal ideation (DPSC, 2020). With these pressing matters of integrated health concerns, much is needed to be done to help these individuals receive mental and physical care needed for survival. It is recommended for governing officials to discuss the need for additional policies and laws for better insurance and funding for preventative care and services and supplies for incarcerated individuals. Additional funding and funding incentives for new and seasoned employees would also be beneficial. The implementation of new staff positions in state, local, and federal prisons for Doctoral Level Behavioral Health Consultants (BHCs) and Master Level Case Managers to work alongside providers to provide specialized care and curriculums to enhance health outcomes in this population. Technology/AI and advanced medical equipment would also be an asset to help imprisoned individuals as a preventative measure.Lastly, the need for additional professional development for modernized approaches to treatment would benefit members who work alongside incarcerated groups.
References
Department of Public Safety and Corrections. (2020). Adequacy of healthcare provided in louisiana state prisons. Retrieved on June 11, 2024 from https://www.loyno.edu/sites/de...Healthcare_Brief.pdf
Loyola University New Orleans. (2021, May 17 ). Loyola Law Professor Releases Report on State of Healthcare Services in Louisiana Prisons [Press Release]. https://www.loyno.edu/news/may...cerated%20population.
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