San Quentin News

Written By Incarcerated - Advancing Social Justice

Dual Epidemics of COVID-19 and Influenza (the flu)

by

The flu, a different coronavirus, will be back this winter, as usual, starting in November and getting worse December and January. As the early symptoms of COVID-19 (also a coronavirus) and the flu are very similar, the medical establishment recommends that everyone gets a flu shot.

“This winter, hospitals could well be in great demand so it makes sense that if we can minimize influenza as much as we can we’ll have more reserved healthcare capacity to look after patients who might be suffering from COVID-19,” said Dr. John Campbell.

Further, the flu shot, designed to give you immunity against the flu, may give you increased immunity—although not total—against the worst cases of COVID-19.

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health (NIH paper), “It might be possible also that individuals who received prior flu vaccination might show mild severity of COVID-19 because of flu-induced bystander effect of the generated immune responses, which itself might cross-react against SARS-CoV-2 [COVID-19].”  

According to The Dual Epidemics of COVID-19 and Influenza (the JAMA report), in the 2018-2019 flu session, the U.S. had 35.5 million influenza cases, 490,600 hospitalizations, and 34,200 deaths related to influenza. 

As for the good news, the flu vaccination for 2018-19 prevented 4.4 million cases of influenza, 58,000 hospitalizations, and 3,500 deaths in the U.S.  This is with only about 50% of residents getting the flu shot, according to the JAMA report.

Of course, COVID-19 is a different respiratory viral infection. Still, as to the flu, the relative risk in this study was 4.4. In other words, the people in the vaccination group were 4.4 times more likely to avoid the flu compared with people who did not take the flu shot. 

So it is still very important that everyone gets a flu shot. Make sure that all your family members do so. That way even if you later get COVID-19, the hospital won’t be as full of influenza patients.

Nearly 15,000 meals per day served at San Quentin with a special touch

by

Correctional Food Manager II. (CFM) Martha Garcia

San Quentin’s newest food manager says in a predominately-male prison, it takes a woman’s touch to balance out the population, especially when it comes to food.

“I worked with men and around men my entire career,” said Martha Garcia, Correctional Food Manager II.https://www.calhr.ca.gov/state-hr-professionals/Pages/5480.aspx (CFM). “So it’s no big deal to be a woman in charge of a situation like this. This is not my first rodeo,” she adds with a big smile.

Known as the “Big Boss” by her nine staff members, Garcia and her crew are responsible for feeding nearly 5,000 men at San Quentin Prison three times a day, 365 days a year.

Garcia says her love of cooking began at home but evolved into a passion to cook for the public. Her first gig was teaching young adults how to cook in a state funded program. She has worked in restaurants and participated in cooking clubs. She also has experience in catering. Her first job in a prison was at Salinas Valley State Prison,https://www.cdcr.ca.gov/facility-locator/svsp/ Level IV.

She rose through the ranks over the years as a cook in several other prisons, Tehachapi State Prison, Old Folsom Prison and California State Prison,(CSP) Sacramento just to name a few. It was at CSP that she wanted to make a difference in the diet for the older incarcerated men.

“I always loved food,” Garcia said compassionately, “I always want to put the best food forward. I saw a lot of older men getting sicker, and I wanted to change the medical condition.”

Garcia came to San Quentin over a year ago because she liked its historic relevancy. When she arrived, she estimates the kitchen was under staffed by at least 50 %. Since she became Food Manager, the food and services have improved.

“When she came here the breakfast eggs changed for the better,” said part time incarcerated kitchen worker Maurice Reed. “Yeah the eggs are cooked better now. In fact, breakfast, lunch and dinner got better. Lunches got them granola bars in them and fresh veggies and the food is good at least 3 times a week now. I miss the real catfish for dinner; I cannot wait to have that again. The only thing I can say that I wish would happen is that it be more consistent.”

Reed has been at San Quentin for almost 8 years now and he said he definitely has seen the food change for the better.

Garcia added new meals and a variety of foods, such as fresh yogurts, puddings, tangerines and chocolate milk.

The lunches are bagged with treats such as granola bars and BBQ potato chips. Dinner meals on Fridays are not the usual processed breaded fish. The men in blue now dine on real fried catfish and potato wedges, (fish and chips). One recent Friday meal was chicken covered pizza.

Although Garcia loves cooking for the men-in-blue, her other main concern is the staff. At the sound of an alarm, she is quick to make sure her staff is okay.

She oversees day-to-day operations from her office. However, that is not where you’d find her most of the time. She is usually helping her, “overly strained and over worked,” staffers with their duties.

“She is doing an exceptional job,” said five-year veteran Supervisor Correctional Cook, (SCC) I. Sapao.

Sapao is usually the morning supervisor but is working the night shift due to a staff shortage.

“I never seen a manager who helps out, but she helps,” she said.

From unloading the trucks on the dock, to the preparation of the food, Garcia is involved in it all.

“I remember my humble beginnings,” Garcia said, “To deal with people you have to be a people person. You have to have a sense of humor and be a little quirky. Just because you’re here (in prison) don’t mean that you have to be down.”

She added, “I learned that it’s important to respect people and incarcerated men have always showed me respect.”

Garcia gets along with people she works with—free staff and men in blue alike.

“I never had a problem with her, and she is always easy to communicate with,” said two-year incarcerated worker Jose Ledesma. “She never gives us problems, and she is just a good food manager. She’s the same every day.”

The men in blue receive fresh whole veggies and fruit daily. Garcia credits the previous food manager for that. However, she smiles while she takes the credit for adding all of the “crazy ones,” like red bell peppers and squash.

Not everyone likes all of Garcia’s changes.

“Only complaint I received so far is that I put too much spice in the food or too many onions or something of that nature,” Garcia smiles modestly.

The gratitude form the San Quentin residents have not gone unnoticed.

“I really appreciate the addition of the yogurt,” said San Quentin resident Stu Ross.

San Quentin gets about $5.4 million annually according to Garcia, which is spent quarterly to provide food for the prison. Prison officials in Sacramento create diet meals and issue the budget that Garcia has to follow. She stays within budget by searching the internet for the bargains.

“I’m a foodie,” said Garcia, “I don’t believe that you need all that expensive stuff to have a good meal. I work toward the goal of having a palatable meal. Plus, I look for deals that will provide opportunity to save money plus provide a good meal.”

Que es el corona virus y como se puede prevenir

by

El Corona Virus conocido como 2019-nCoV se está expandiendo a lo largo del planeta.

El virus ha causado la muerte de casi mil personas y contagiando a un número cada vez mayor.

El Centro para las Enfermedades Prevención y Control público una gaceta que responde a unas preguntas simples que son de interés para la comunidad. Esta información proviene de la gaceta para alertar como alerta para nuestra comunidad:

¿Dónde se origina el Corona Virus?

El coronavirus viene de una larga familia de virus, algunos de estos virus causan enfermedades en las personas y otros únicamente circulan en los animales incluyendo camellos, gatos y murciélagos.

Los análisis genéticos de la raíz de este virus están dirigidos a una fuente en específico. SARS, otro corona virus que surgió e infecto a muchas personas provino de la secreciones de gatos, mientras que MERS, otro corona virus que también infecto a muchas personas provino de camellos.

¿Cómo se esparce el coronavirus?

Es importante notar que el contagio de persona a persona puede ser continuo. Algunos virus son altamente contagiosos (como la viruela) mientras que otros son menos contagiosos. Por ahora no está claro que tan fácil o sosteniblemente el virus se contagia entre las personas. Los análisis genéticos sugieren que el virus provino de virus relacionados al SARS. Por el momento hay varias investigaciones en proceso para aprender más acerca de este. Esta es una situación que se está desarrollando rápidamente y la información debe de ser renovada en cuanto esta esté accesible.

Hay mucho que no sabemos acerca del nuevo coronavirus y como se contagia. Dos otros coronavirus que han surgido previamente han causado severas enfermedades en personas como MERS y SARS. 2019CoV está más genéticamente relacionado al SARS que al MERS, pero los dos son beta coronavirus con orígenes de murciélagos. Mientras que no se sabe por seguro que este virus se comportara de la misma manera que SARS o el MERS, podemos usar la información de estos dos virus para poder guiarnos. En general, la pobre sobrevivencia de estos virus en la superficie. Hay una posibilidad muy baja de que este se contagie de productos o paquetes que están siendo enviados desde el epicentro de contagio en un periodo de semanas a temperaturas ambientes.

Se piensa que el coronavirus se contagia a menudo de fluidos respiratorios. Por el momento no hay evidencia que apoye la trasmisión de contagio en caso de 2019-nCoV asociado con enseres importados de lugares donde hay casos de 2019-nCoV virus en los Estados Unidos.

Por ahora hay una vacuna para prevenir la infección del 2019-nCoV. La mejor manera de prevenir una infectarse con este virus es evitar exponerse al virus. Aunque como un recordatorio CDC siempre recomienda prevenir acciones que nos ayuden a prevenir el contagio de virus respiratorios, incluyendo:

• Lavarse las manos a menudo con agua y jabón por lo menos por 20 segundos. Usar un esterilizador que contenga por lo menos 60% alcohol si no tiene acceso al agua y jabón.

• Evitar tocarse los ojos, nariz, y boca sin lavarse las manos.

• Evitar contacto con personas que estén afectadas del virus.

• Quedarse en cas si está enfermo.

• Cubrirse cuando tosa o estornude con un pañuelo, y después tirarlo a la basura.

• Limpiar frecuentemente con desinfectante los objetos y superficies que toque.

State to pay $1.5 million to family of prisoner who committed suicide

by

California has agreed to pay $1.5 million to the family of Erika Rocha, whose prison suicide was deemed foresee- able and preventable, the Sacramento Bee reports.

“This is an acknowledgement that the system completely broke down when it came to providing the care that she needed,” said Lori Ritkin, an attorney on the federal court lawsuit.

Court records indicate that Rocha had eight suicide attempts between age 7 and 14, according to the Aug. 18 article.

“The entire leadership team of California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) from the secretary all the way down to the warden of this particular prison had known for decades that her mental health especially at California Institute for Women (CIW) at Corona, Calif., was below standard, and they chose not to address it,” said Ritkin.

Erika’s troubled youth stemmed from her mother not being in the home, and her father was incarcerated. She lived with various family members and was moved into foster care due to sexual abuse by a family member.

At age 15 in 1996 she shot and wounded the woman that was running the group home where she lived.

She was sentenced to 19 years negotiated plea sentence for attempted murder. During her time in prison, she attempted suicide many times, the newspaper reported. Her suicide watch on March 31, 2016 lasted only one day, in lieu of the procedurally required five-day step-down, according to the Bee.

Prison mental health physicians diagnosed Rocha as hav- ing a number of mental health ailments including antisocial personality disorder, psychotic disorder, and major depressive disorder, according to the lawsuit.

Rocha’s behavior seemed to escalate as she was reported punching a locker. Erika also refused to take her prescribed medication and fought with her cellmate, according to the article.

“Mom on my way home when you pick me up, I want you to take me to a park, and I want you to push me in the swings and roll me in the grass”

In the opinion of Erika’s mother, she didn’t seem suicidal and was looking forward to coming home.

“When I saw Erika at one point and she was talking about coming home,” said Linda Reza, her mother. “She told me, ‘Mom on my way home when you pick me up,

I don’t care where, but just somewhere along the way I want you to take me to a park, and I want you to push me in the swings and roll me in the grass,’” said Reza.

“By doing the settlement so early in the case, before we even went through discovery and for this much money, they know they failed my sister,” said a sister, Geraldine Rocha. “It wasn’t really about the $1.5 million; that really doesn’t do anything for us mentally or emotionally.”

“The exact amount of the settlement is $1,501,500, which includes $1,500 the family wanted to pay for a swing set to be built in Las Flores Park in La Verne,” said her stepmother, Linda Reza.

They would like a message engraved on a plaque at the swing that states, “In loving honor of Erika Rocha, Nov. 7, 1980, to April 14, 2016,” ac- cording to the article.

Offering cultural education through Kwanzaa

by

Lit candles for Kwanzaa celebration

Over 100 San Quentin residents ushered in Kwanzaa 2019 with a night of enlightening and culturally relevant speeches and inspiring performances. The speakers and performers focused on uplifting African and African American culture and acknowledging the ways they have contributed to society at large.

The December 26 celebration was organized by Arthur D. Jackson and his wife Veronica, who assisted with planning. Speakers included incarcerated artists and social justice organizers who emphasized the importance of using Kwanzaa as an opportunity to celebrate Black culture.

Dejon Joy, the event’s emcee, led a group of brothers in the reading of the seven principles of Kwanzaa before the performers and speakers took the stage.

“Kwanzaa represents a striving for freedom, a celebration of liberation and foundational principles that we re- connect with at the end of the year to take us into the next,” said Alyssa Villanueva, a Civil Rights attorney, who taught a Black Studies workshop at SQ for the college program.

“Our minds—our knowledge—is power. To say that it is threatening is not a cliché,” she continued.

“This was more informative and entertaining than I thought it would be. I’m glad I came,” said Gene McCallum, an incarcerated resident, referring to the speeches and performances.

Villanueva also highlighted the role that cultural knowledge played in the successes of Malcolm X, the Civil Rights Movement, and the Black Panthers Party.

“The individuals and organizations who came before us fighting for our freedoms looked to these principles— and they still provide the basic needs to thrive as human beings.”

Hamisi X. Spears got a standing ovation after delivering a powerful rap performance with lyrics meant to inspire people of color to become more politically and socially conscious. In one verse Spears belted out, “66 never had a chance to pass. My brothers and sisters wouldn’t get off their a#* to vote—the final result, we lost at the end, and half our families are in the pen.”

Following Spears, Malik Ali, another resident, gave a moving spoken word piece and Rhashiyd “RawLMNO” Zinnamon performed a lyrical masterpiece titled “Grown- ManMusic.”

“Peace to you if you’re will- ing to fight for it,” greeted Yoel Haile, an ACLU criminal justice program manager, to the crowd.

Auntie June, Yoel Haile, Tammy Appling-Cabading, Arthur Jackson, and Allyssa Villanueva

Haile, who also taught the Black Studies workshop, established Africans’ impact on the world by pointing to Prophet Moses’ presence in Egypt, the first churches in Ethiopia, the Islamic migration to Ethiopia, and the African origin of universities.

“Part of knowing who we are is knowing who we were and who we want to be,” said Haile.

“We are now serving the enemies’ needs at the expense of the doctors, lawyers, and engineers we could be,” he continued.

Tammy Appling-Cabading, a volunteer, also got a standing ovation after reading an uplift- ing poem she wrote specifically for the event entitled Walk in Imani.

“Twinkle, twinkle all you stars, do you ever wonder who you are? You are from the sons and daughters of the African diaspora lighting up the world …, “ she began. “Speak truth, do justice, and walk in the way of righteousness.”

Gregory Morris ended the evening with a moving speech about the importance of historical consciousness.

“History gives us a means to judge our actions by our cultural traditions. …The way we treat the women in our lives doesn’t match with historical reality,” Morris told the crowd when we connect with the traditions of our forefathers we will build healthier relationships with ourselves, our family and all communities.”

“This was the best Kwanzaa celebration that I’ve been to,” said San Quentin resident Daron Charles.

“It was a culturally enriching experience that I will carry on for years. It was refreshing to hear accounts of Africans’ contributions to history, an honor to present the fourth principle of Kwanzaa and to share the meanings with everyone,” echoed fellow resident John Yahya Johnson.

SQN EXTRA: WORST POLICY IMAGINABLE

by

Arizona state prisoners are being charged for their medical expenses when they’re taken to the hospital for using illegal substances, reported The Appeal.

The Arizona Department of Corrections (ADC) enacted this policy back in March of this year. Prior to this policy, the department charged prisoners co-pays for healthcare visits and the full cost of positive urinalysis tests for substance abuse.

“From a public health perspective this is the worst policy imaginable,” said David Fathi, director of the American Civil Liberties Union National Prison Project. “The solution is treatment, not punishment. This policy is just reflexively punitive and entirely counterproductive.”

In a statement about the new restitution policy, Arizona public information officer Bill Lamoreaux said it was designed to hold prisoners accountable for their own actions. “ADC understands that the struggle with addiction is not an easy one,” he wrote. “However, obtaining contraband illegal drugs while incarcerated requires a series of deliberate and extremely poor choices.”

The ADC reports that 78% of those entering Arizona prisons have problems with addiction. Only 3,000 prisoners (out of 42,000) are offered treatment options each year.

Lamoreaux told The Appeal that it’s difficult to find enough substance abuse counselors who want to work in prisons.

Karen Hellman, division director of Inmate Programs & Reentry for the ADC, made a similar point at the state House Judiciary Committee in March. “I could not today treat everyone in the system who needed treatment immediately,” she said. “The need of the inmates is greater than our capacity to deliver.”

Dr. Josiah Rich, director of The Center for Prisoner Health and Human Rights at The Miriam Hospital, does not think Arizona’s new policy will be successful. “People don’t decide …‘Oh, I better not overdose today because I might have to pay money from my account for the treatment I’m going to need.’”

Dr. Kimberly Sue, who has hands-on experience working with incarcerated prisoners at Rikers Island, explained that those who use drugs while in jail may be stressed by multiple problems.

She said that incarcerated people, particularly those with underlying mental health or substance abuse issues, will often self-medicate because of the misery of prison,” The Appeal reported.

Keeping the conversation going about HIV on World AIDS Day at SQ

by

Almost 20 years ago, Andrew Yancy felt a small lump on his neck. He told a nurse he thought it was a spider bite. There were examinations and tests — the results shocked him — he had been infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Since then, Yancy says he’s serious about educating people about HIV. He had a chance to make good on his word, when two local non-profits geared to serve those suffering from HIV/AIDS came to San Quentin the day after World AIDS Day.

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a term that applies to the advanced stages of HIV infection.

“The most important thing is keeping the conversation going,” Yancy said, “and not for just HIV patients — everyone needs to be involved.”

“This is an important issue,” said Lisa Strawn, a San Quentin prisoner and emcee of our first-ever Transgender Day of Remembrance. “It’s about saving lives, not just the LBGTQ community. There’s tattooing, drug use and not everybody is going to be up front. This day is important in so many ways. So, it’s disappointing that there aren’t any medical staff here.”

The non-profits that came to talk to the prisoners, Until There’s A Cure and AIDS Project of the East Bay (APEB), work toward HIV/AIDS awareness and providing services to those directly impacted by the virus.

“We need to get past being shunned, afraid to shake hands,” said Ed Jones of APEB. “Those living with HIV should not be shunned away.”

APEB holds discussion groups to talk about the stigma and challenges faced.

“It’s a good way to vent and share when there’s something going on,” Jones said. “It’s a great place to go, and we feed you.”

The National Institute of Health reports that, today, there are medications for HIV treatment and to prevent its transmission, which enables a person to live a nearly normal lifespan.

APEB operates a health clinic that, in addition to offering patient care and case management, is involved with community outreach and testing. The non-profit also has a workforce education and training program, transgender support services, youth activities as well as pastoral care and counseling.

“I can relate to being here,” said APEB staffer, Mikiya “Fefe.” “I’m transgender, and I was in prison for three years and transgender.” He told the audience that he knows firsthand what it’s like not to be educated and not have support or guidance and then go back to the streets. I want to be a beacon so no matter what background you come from you have support.”

Dora Hanna, executive director of Until There’s A Cure, assists those with felony convictions obtain housing. The organization also has raised more than $23 million by selling bracelets to support non-profits focused on HIV/AIDS related issues.

“When you’re homeless, the risk of infection from HIV goes up,” Hanna said. “If you self-medicate and engage in risky behavior and have poor eating habits, the risk goes up. Until We Find A Cure aims to eliminate barriers and to make the drugs more accessible. Everyone deserves a place to live.”

HIV is found in certain bodily fluids of people living with HIV, including blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids and breast milk. HIV can be transmitted by:

  • Unprotected vaginal or anal sex, and, in very rare cases, through oral sex with a person who has HIV; blood transfusion of contaminated blood.
  • Sharing of needles, syringes, other injecting equipment as well as exposure to other sharp instruments.
  • From a mother with HIV to her infant during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding.

If a person living with HIV is on antiretroviral therapy, which effectively suppresses HIV in the body, their chance of transmitting HIV to another person is greatly reduced. This class of drugs is available to prisoners in California.

For more information, write to:

APEB

8400 Enterprise Way, Suite 118

Oakland, CA 94621

Raising awareness during 2nd annual Mental Wellness Week

by

—Joe Garcia —David Ditto and Anthony Faulk contributed

CDCR Undersecretary Kathleen Allison, BPH Chief Psychologist Cliff Kusaj and BPH’s Jennifer Shaffer holding up Hope T-shirts

Incarcerated and outside members of the San Quentin community joined forces to emotionally support one another and raise awareness during the prison’s second annual Mental Wellness Week.

“This week is about all of us coming together to encourage hope—no one should feel they have to go it alone,” said Dr. S. McCarver, SQ’s Chief of Mental Health for the last four years.

“There should be no stigma for simply reaching out for help— reaching out for support.”

The schedule of daily events from Sept. 8 to 14 included a highly anticipated panel featuring Board of Parole Hearing (BPH) Executive Officer Jennifer Shaffer and BPH Chief Psychologist Cliff Kusaj.

Participant David Rodriguez asking BPH’s Jennifer Shaffer a question

They came to speak about and clarify how the BPH regards documented mental health issues—and how be- ing involved in prison mental healthcare potentially affects a lifer’s parole suitability.

SQ’s Chief Deputy Warden Ron Broomfield set the week’s tone with a personal story about his own struggles with severe depression and his reluctance to share his experience with others.


Cliff Kusaj answering questions from participants

“I’d been asked to speak twice and declined both times, but seeing all you guys’ inter- est in mental wellness gives me the courage to address you today,” he told an audience of prisoners, staff and volunteers on the Lower Yard.

“Working at Corcoran in 2009, I developed serious depression,” he said. “I could hide it at work and act like everything was fine.

“But where I couldn’t hide it was home. They got the worst of me.”

Broomfield described how his wife threatened to expose his mental problems with his coworkers if he refused to seek help.

“I remember sitting in my car out in the Corcoran park- ing lot, trying to summon up the courage to talk to someone,” he continued. “It was probably the most courageous thing I’ve ever had to do.”

“I always thought of myself as a healthy person, but hope really started when I sat in that car and decided I was going to talk to someone,” he said. “You can be free and a prisoner in your own mind— or locked up but free inside your mind.”

One of the week’s organizers, Dr. R. Thomas of SQ Mental Health, urged Broomfield to speak at the event. “I’m so grateful he shared his story with you guys,” she said. “It was in- credibly brave of him.”

Guys who know they need help are afraid to ask for that help…‘the Board’s not gonna let me out.’ But believe me; nothing could be further from the truth”

The ongoing theme of hope brought a packed crowd to the SQ chapel Sept. 11, where prisoners were ready to hear what Kusaj and Shaffer had to say about the BPH process.

California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) Undersecretary Kathleen Allison gave open- ing remarks before Kusaj and Shaffer engaged with the chapel audience.

“I’m passionate about this subject and have remained focused on suicide prevention,” said Allison. “It’s each and every one of [us] — our responsibility. If you see someone who might be in distress or mental crisis— reach out.”

Describing Shaffer as “a real rock star,” Allison set the stage for her by saying, “If you’re not a risk to public safety, she’s going to do everything she can for you.”

Schaffer started by connecting the history of the BPH to the evening’s mental well- ness theme—Hope Looks Forward.

“In 1979, California sentenced 907 prisoners to life with the possibility of parole,” Shaffer detailed. “And in that same year, only one person was actually granted parole.

“But take 2018, Jerry Brown’s last year in office. 1,016 prisoners were admitted into the system with life with the possibility of parole sentences—while 1096 prisoners were found suitable.

“That’s the first time since 1978 that more lifers were paroled rather than sentenced.”

Shaffer then focused her presentation on discussing potential parolees’ concerns about how receiving mental healthcare might reflect badly on their CDCR record.

“I know there’s a lot of myths out there,” she said. “Guys who know they need help are afraid to ask for that help.

“So many of you think if you need help, ‘the Board’s not gonna let me out.’ But believe me; nothing could be further from the truth.

“Think about it—plenty of people on the outside go get help. That’s actually healthy behavior.”

Shaffer encouraged the SQ crowd to utilize all available mental health resources, both inside and also after they are paroled.

“It’s an incredibly stressful time in your life to be re- leased from state prison,” she said. “That’s a big reason why the Board stresses transitional housing—not so we can watch you more closely, but so you’re surrounded by people who’ve walked the same path.”

Shaffer soon segued into what the majority of the audience came for—clarity on what the Board expects to see before granting a lifer’s parole date.

“We want to see if you’ve done the work,” Shaffer explained. “If you have truly transformed, you’ll be speak- ing a different language. You’ll show more insight—be more aware, more intuitive, more in touch with how you think.”

Shaffer also stressed the importance of understanding the difference between acknowledging the victim impact on an offender’s community but without carrying the shame of their crime around with them.

She detailed a research paper written by Kusaj which analyzed some psychological factors between offenders who recidivate and those who do not.

“What’s the difference?” she asked everyone. “Shame. If you find it hard to like your- self, you’ll find it incredibly difficult to create a positive narrative.

“Try to think of the bad things you may have done as in the third person. Learn how to explain who that person was and how they’re different today.”

Kusaj set out to answer the following questions: What are the Board psychologists look- ing for? What changes do they want to see? What should guys expect during their psychological review?

In regard to psych review expectations, Kusaj explained, “Ultimately, we need to be able to understand, contextualize and make sense of your violent actions—and how that’s been mitigated over time.

“Can you make sense of the darkness, badness and wrong decisions? Have you matured and changed during your incarceration?”

He listed a compendium of psychological and emotional shifts he directs his staff to look for—such as being open and honest versus circumventing the truth or rejecting violence as a problem-solving solution, or being fair and forgiving versus being vindictive and punishing.

“In short, we want to see life transformations,” said Kusaj. “When we evaluate risk assessment, it’s quite simple. What went wrong in your life? And where are you now?

“Don’t rehearse. Don’t try to anticipate our questions. You’re there to try to help the psychologist better understand your crime-causing factors.”

Kusaj also wanted the audience to recognize the structural difference between a forensic interview rather than a therapy session.

“Think of it more like a job interview. Because of time considerations, expect to be interrupted,” he said. “Expect to be challenged. We’re neither advocates nor adversaries. Our interests lie solely in your safe release to the community.”

Although Kusaj was nowhere near giving the full ex- planation he’d hoped to offer, Shaffer stopped him to allow the panel to field questions from the eager crowd. Most questions inevitably revolved around each prisoner’s personal BPH experience.

Allison and Shaffer eventually started a list for each person to write down their name, CDCR# and specific issue they want resolved.

Shaffer assured the crowd that every BPH scheduling commitment will be fulfilled. “Last year, we held 5,300 Board hearings statewide, and this year we’ve got 7,300 scheduled,” she said. “We’ll continue that pace every year until everyone who should be seen is.”

Allison equally reassured everyone that her CDCR office is reviewing every single prisoner’s file for 1170(d) re-sentencing consideration.

“You guys don’t have to submit anything to us,” she said. “If you’re disciplinary free, done exceptional programming or fit any of the enhancement criteria, we’ll petition the court on your behalf.

“We’ve had amazing success from the courts so far. Our priority is always going to be focused on the guys who already have the most time in. Those are the cases that need to be reviewed first.”

The last two days of Mental Wellness Week consisted of pure community interaction and celebration. The chapel shook with energy and emotion on Sept. 13 as prisoners and staff alike took part in a talent showcase—opening up and performing pieces themed around mental health.

Dr. K. O’Meara, CDCR Regional Health Administer, took to the podium and read an essay by Death Row prisoner Joseph Manuel Montes.

“It’s important to represent those who can’t be here them- selves tonight,” she said.

The highlight of the talent show may have been Dr. Thomas’ promised rendition of Sade’s “Soldier of Love.” The audience cheered in awe and appreciation as Thomas hit all the right notes without batting an eye.

Fully participating at every event that week, Thomas and her vocals underscored the commitment of the SQ Mental Health staff to stay immersed in this community.

Professional healthcare workers showed up at San Quentin

by

Personal well-being was the theme of the day at San Quentin’s 16th Annual Health Fair.

A diverse array of professionals from the healthcare industry ventured inside the walls of San Quentin to educate the incarcerated about physical and mental health.

“Everybody matters and their health should be valued,” said nurse Mike, a volunteer, “I’ve worked with underprivileged populations before and I believe that every person deserves the right to health education.”

The event was sponsored by TRUST (Teaching Responsibility Utilizing Societal Techniques), a self-help group at San Quentin specializing in teaching emotional intelligence and mindfulness. The 10-month curriculum is taught by Diana Kronstadt, Fran Engstrom, Quillen Powers, Helaine Melnitzer, and Susanne Siciliano.

Nurse Mike spent the day at the Nurse’s Station measuring the blood glucose and cholesterol levels of the incarcerated. The Nurse’s Station was one of several health activities on San Quentin’s lower yard.

Other screening areas at the Nurse’s Station included blood pressure measurement, body mass index calculation, vision testing and auditory exams. Incarcerated individuals filled out a tracking sheet, which was then used to record their results for personal documentation. When one of the student nurse volunteers gave an individual a result, they took the time to ex- plain what each number meant and give tips on how incarcerated individuals could improve their health through lifestyle choices.

“Y’all need to stop eatin’ all them soups!” one of the nurses yelled aloud in a general statement to all the men in blue, “All that sodium ain’t good for your heart or your blood pressure!”

Larry Vitale, a professor of nursing from San Francisco State University, has organized troupes of nursing students to volunteer at the health fair for the past 16 years.

“It’s a symbiotic relationship as our students are changed by this as well,” said Professor Vitale. “The educational aspect of volunteering here allows the future nurses to be exposed to the marginalized.”

Professor Vitale wants people to realize that incarcerated individuals are people too and to treat the less fortunate with dignity.

Another popular area at the health fair was the gym. Activities in the gym included chiropractic adjustment, acupressure therapy, diabetic education, and a Tai Chi exercise.

“When I got my backed cracked, I felt all the ten- sion leave my body,” said Yahya Malik who recently transferred from High Desert State Prison,“It helped with my self-awareness cuz I didn’t even know I was tense.”

He also enjoyed the Tai Chi exercise.

“I ain’t never done that before,” said Malik, “I thought it was a martial art, but it’s more like a moving meditation.”

Reverend Deborah Lee from the Asian Prisoner Support Committee led the Tai Chi sessions. It was her seventh year attending the health fair.

“I always get a lot out of it, to see all of the programs at San Quentin,” Reverend Lee said.

David Liao, a massage therapist from the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in San Francisco said he had some apprehension before coming into San Quentin, but once he started meeting the incarcerated individuals his apprehension “melted away.”

“It’s awesome. I love what we can do to help you guys,” said Liao.

The diabetic station educated the men in blue about lifestyle issues regarding diabetes. The station was sponsored by the diabetic program, a 16-week class that teaches incarcerated individuals with diabetes how to monitor their blood sugar and teaches them about their disease.

“I think it’s important to empower the men,” said Kim Bailey, a nurse and sponsor for the San Quentin diabetic program.

In the education building, a mental health class taught the men in blue about general mental health, sports, leisure, mindfulness, through a jeopardy- style game. Handouts included: “How to Meditate,” “Gratitude,” “Recreation Therapy Boggle” and “Organ Systems Crosswords.”

Near the baseball diamond, the incarcerated got a chance to sit down with doctors to have their health questions answered, such as the ap- propriate amount of water to drink each day or what kinds of food to stay away from. After the conversa- tions, the doctors gave each

incarcerated person a granola bar. Also on the lower yard were tables for the California Reentry Program, Center-force, CDCR Mental Health, LRC(Love, Respect, and Communication), and Health Education(Alameda County Public Health Services and UCSF residents).

“We’re here to sign up people who aren’t familiar with our program,”said Anne F. of the California Reentry Program, “Whether they have a parole date or a release date, we can help get them ready for parole, get their resume ready for employment opportunities, help them find housing, help get the necessary identification they’ll need upon release Social Security card, California I.D., etc.”

The California Reentry Program has regular meetings on Tuesday nights and Friday afternoons. During these meetings, attendees are individually assisted by a reentry specialist to plan for a successful integration back into society upon their release.

At the Love, Respect and Communication (LRC) table, Dr. Arnold Chavez spoke to groups of five individuals for three-minute segments, explaining the principles of LRC.

“When we think of love and respect, communication is the foundation for both of these. We need to have strong communication skills,” he said, “You wouldn’t be here if you’d communicated better. Can I say that?”

Most of his audience nodded their heads in agreement.

At the spiritual healing station, prayers could be heard in both English and Spanish.

Jose Gomez, a volunteer at the spiritual healing table, attended with his wife Micaela Carteno.

“It’s a blessing for me, to give a little bit back as God has given to me. I receive love from God. I give love to my brother,” said Gomez.

The Center force table showed a video which covered topics such as hepatitis, STDs, tuberculosis, HIV, as well as warnings about risks associated with tattoos and drug needles.

Each San Quentin resident was given a ticket which list- ed the different stations at the fair. After going to each station, a stamp was given to each individual. After receiving three stamps, attendees were able to redeem their ticket for a toothbrush and a mini toothpaste.

“Before coming in, I had an expected fear of inmates, prejudices and anxiety, but I will recommend this day to all nursing students,” said nursing student Alina. With a smile on her face, she said about prison, “It’s not what it’s like on television!”

WALL CITY, VOLUME 2, ISSUE 2:An antidote to grief and pain

by

What can compassion do? Squelch rumors, train volunteers, and provide support at the California Institution for Women

In 2015, women at the California Institution for Women (CIW) in Corona were traumatized by a sudden and unexpected death of a women in the Housing Unit who was very dear to all of us. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) housing, medical and responding staff all handled this death efficiently and sensitively. The Program Office called me, a program leader in our newly begun Compassionate Companions Program (CCP), to be present when the roommate of the recently deceased woman was informed. All of the community rallied to help those who reacted most strongly to this death. What became even more critical was to immediately squelch the rumor mill that the roommate did not inform staff quickly enough, or even that the room- mate was responsible for the death of her friend. A rumor partially inflated when staff followed procedure in placing the roommate in handcuffs while escorting her to medical for a routine evaluation. This poor roommate was traumatized by finding her friend unconscious.

I gathered all the CCP members in Unit A and asked them to help squelch this bogus and dangerous rumor, soliciting support from our housing staff. The CCP members were fantastic and within 24 hours the whole rumor mill had been put to rest. Each CCP member gave examples of how they squelched the rumors—in the medication line, dining hall, everywhere. This was a huge step in creating a culture of caring, empathy and cooperation at CIW.

To some, the concept of prisons and compassion seem opposed. Prisons are not easy places to live. There is so much internal struggling for power and dominance among prisoners, staff and protocols. But if ever a system needed more compassion, it would be the prison system where nothing, almost nothing, is given kindness or consideration.

The creation of Compassionate Companions Program here at CIW seemed initially to be a far-fetched, altruistic illusion in 2014. But with a little vision on the part of some administrators, a Compassionate Companions Pro- gram was begun. The purpose of CCP as authorized by then-Warden Hughes is to provide clearly defined support and compassion for fellow prisoners who are experiencing any serious illness, grief, loss or other catastrophic—emotional experience. Trained CCP volunteers maintain vigil for prisoners at end of life so they do not have to cross that thresh- old alone. The intention is to uphold their dignity and ease their suffering. The CCP does not provide crisis counseling nor does it replace nursing or medical care, but it does offer listening, companionship, letter-writing, and a broad range of support and friendship within the constraints of CIW regulations.

The Compassionate Companions Program is a nationwide program that provides training to community members—outside of prison as well as inside. Our initial volunteer group of 35 people at CIW received significant hours of training in palliative care, suicide and bullying prevention, and relation- ship/consensus building. Over the past few years, we have been able to train a series of new volunteers to continue the work. With clearance from administrative staff, CCP volunteers are able to visit with people at the end of life, those who have chronic illnesses or disabilities and are living in long-term care units, and throughout all of our housing units to help work to create a supportive community.

At the request of Mental Health Ser- vices, CCP members were asked to assist a woman who had recently received a terminal diagnosis. We went to see her after clearing our visit with housing staff and were able to provide support for her in several ways. We accompanied her to regularly scheduled medical visits and assisted in getting her immediate com- fort and needs met. She was having difficulty walking and needed a wheelchair, but prison bureaucracy was moving very slowly. She got a wheelchair that very day with CCP volunteers advocating for this basic necessity. The patient needed an increase in her weekly allotment of Depends. Once nurse was made aware of her dilemma, she got two more boxes that day and they promised to keep her supplied. We also reviewed her wishes for this last stage of her treatment.

She wanted to remain in her housing unit for the time being, and this was practical although not popular among staff. We supported this wish, and she was able to stay in her unit. We provided emotional support for her anxiety about her future.

She also asked for assistance in expediting her petition for compassionate release which her oncologist had written, but not in correct CDCR format. We accompanied her to a visit with the Chief Medical Officer who would make the final decision. Her release was approved and processed within a few days. These are classic examples of the ability of our Compassionate Companions Program group to sup- port one another and to bring a culture of change in a system that is generally insensitive, steeped in dominance and unaware of individual needs. We look forward to continuing to train new volunteers as needed and keeping this positive program going at CIW.

Translate »