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By: Jessica C. Rivera1Improving Healthcare of Mentally-ill at Attica Correctional Facility

IntroductionMentally-ill inmates entitled to:adequate healthcare: routine screening for infection, treatment (Estelle v. Gamble)protection from cruel and unusual punishment (8th Amendment)

Attica violates these rights: understaffed, shortage of in-patient psychiatric beds resulting in rise of mentally ill imprisoned and complaints of abuse

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Rise of Mentally-Ill Incarcerated

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Problem AssessmentNo Facility Health Services Director, permanent nurses, and Spanish-speaking healthcare professional

Limited in-patient care at CNYPC causes DOC to use the SHU excessively23 hrs a day, for 2.2 yrs (average)64% locked up = mentally-ill lack of treatmenthigh suicide rates

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Literature ReviewPopulation of mentally-ill imprisoned rises1960s: 85,000 psych, 15,000 prison beds stats reversed in 1990sRockefeller Drug Laws Lack of support after incarceration = mentally-ill returning

Lawsuits exposing inadequate healthcare + mistreatment:Eng v. Goord (99), Anderson v. Goord (00), and Disability Advocates, Inc v. NYC Office of Mental Health and Department of Correctional Facilities (01-07)5

Stakeholder Analysis1st Governor Cuomo and NYS LegislatureGoal: save money

2nd Department of HealthGoal: adequate healthcare for all

3rd Department of Corrections Goal: protect by institutionalizing criminals

4th Central New York Psychiatric CenterGoal: hospitalize seriously ill needing rehab

5th Advocacy Combo: PRP, Disability Advocates, Inc. and Prisoners Legal ServicesGoal: protect by advocating legal rights

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More Treatment = Low Recidivism7

Web Sites for Further Investigation Stephey, M.J. (2007).De-Criminalizing Mental Illness. Retrieved on October 27, 2011 from: http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1651002,00.html Prison Policy Initiative (2000). Incarceration is not a Solution to Mental Illness. Retrieved on October 27, 2011 from: http://www.prisonpolicy.org/articles/massdissent040100.html Assembly of New York State (2011). Notice of Public Hearing Mental Health Treatment in Prison. Retrieved on October 27, 2011 from: http://www. assembly.state.ny.us/comm/Correct/20111031.html8