Community members, volunteers and San Quentin inmates joined forces the first weekend in October to fight breast cancer at the 10th Annual “Walk for a Cure.” The two-day event featured live music, personal messages, poetry and prayer to entertain and inspire about 100 participants. SQ CARES - Volunteers and organizers on Lower Yard The inmate-run program San Quentin CARES (Compassionate Accountability Responsibly Expressed through community Service) organized the “Walk for a Cure.” SQ CARES is a committee of a dozen inmates and four … [Read more...] about 10th annual San Quentin CARES “Walk for a Cure” builds community
Health and Wellness
Homeless center helps to reduce overdoses of addicted teens
A homeless center for youths in San Francisco has found success reducing overdoses and helping addicted teens find sobriety through harm reduction. “(We) now have a suboxone clinic at our syringe access site! This is a huge lifesaver, removing bureaucratic roadblocks from the paths of people who want to get off opiates,” said Mary Howe, executive director of Homeless Youth Alliance (HYA) in San Francisco. “Now young people, who are in withdrawal, can come to HYA’s site—a place where they already feel safe—and have a consultation with our … [Read more...] about Homeless center helps to reduce overdoses of addicted teens
Prisoner alleges constitutional violations in Mississippi private prison
A federal judge ordered a re-examination of a private prison in Mississippi after a trial in which inmates alleged unconstitutionally harsh conditions, according to the U.S. News. U.S. District Judge William Barbour is responding to a trial from four months ago concerning conditions at East Mississippi Correctional Facility near Meridian. The American Civil Liberties Union and Southern Poverty Law Center represented the group of inmates who alleged the conditions violated the eighth amendment protection against cruel and unusual … [Read more...] about Prisoner alleges constitutional violations in Mississippi private prison
Houses of Healing a self-study program for Death Row and the SHU
Some of California’s most segregated prisoners are finding self-forgiveness and introspection through The Houses of Healing Self-study Program. Death Row prisoners and those housed in segrated housing units (SHU) facilities are offered a 14-week correspondence course. San Quentin, Pelican Bay and Corcoran state prisons are among the facilities where the program is available. “Through group sessions and independent work, prisoners learned how to deal constructively with conflict and hostility,” said Robin Casarjian, executive … [Read more...] about Houses of Healing a self-study program for Death Row and the SHU
Inmates concerned over enviromental issues decide to taking action
According to the inmates graduating from an environmental program at San Quentin on Oct. 19, climate change has sparked a worldwide discussion — even in prison. “I’m inspired by all of my students,” said Angela Sevin, director of The Green Life program. “I’m so proud of how my students made a connection with the environment and the community.” Incarcerated facilitator Angel Alvarez said, “She’s an amazing instructor and human being, who’s dedicated and committed to teaching truth about climate change.” Sevin said The Green Life … [Read more...] about Inmates concerned over enviromental issues decide to taking action
Paroled prisoner involved in Transitions Clinic Network
Recently paroled prisoners face enormous medical and mental problems upon release, but one program is working to fix that, reported Patricia Leigh Brown of the New York Times. In the article, Brown detailed the story of 54-year-old Ronald Sanders, a former prisoner who was incarcerated during his early adulthood for drug dealing. Upon release, Sanders turned his life around and got involved as a community health worker for the Transitions Clinic Network. “People coming home have many health needs,” said Dr. Shira Shavit, the network’s … [Read more...] about Paroled prisoner involved in Transitions Clinic Network
Arizona crisis for low-level drug offenders
Arizona is wasting millions of dollars by imprisoning low-level drug offenders and failing to treat drug addicts, a recent report concludes. “Arizona imprisonment crisis removes thousands of people from the economy and costs tax- payers more than $1 billion each year (for the state Department of Corrections budget)-preventing the state from investing in other critical priorities like education, social services for families, and child safety,” said the report by FWD.us. FWD.us is a bipartisan political group founded by Silicon Valley … [Read more...] about Arizona crisis for low-level drug offenders
Celebrating SQ’s 12th annual Addiction Recovery Day
Opening up or remaining anonymous was a hot topic at San Quentin’s 12th annual Addiction Recovery Day, Sept. 29. “One of the things I’m seeing is the stigma around addiction,” said visitor Daniel Petersen, of the Support 4 Recovery organization. “How can we change that if we remain anonymous? People need to see the face of recovery. “I’m employed—I have a relationship with my family. It’s about choices today, because you know the consequences,” Petersen added. “I still know where the liquor stores and drug dealers are. By sharing our … [Read more...] about Celebrating SQ’s 12th annual Addiction Recovery Day
Message of Hope for Mental Wellness Week at SQ
A drum call to gather the population on San Quentin’s Lower Yard was made on Sept. 9 for the “Hope” themed opening of Mental Wellness Week. Incarcerated men answered the drum call of L. Williams, who works in SQ’s mental health department, visitor Serigne Sowto and sat down in a drum circle. They learned to play traditional West African rhythms like the Sente, Danza, and Dun Dun Ba Ba by hand on a congos bass. “Drumming is recreation- al therapy, and it helps the men in the community, so I thought it could help men in here … [Read more...] about Message of Hope for Mental Wellness Week at SQ
Suit alleges Tennessee neglected diabetic inmates
Tennessee’s largest prison, Trousdale Turner Correctional Facility, now faces three lawsuits filed on behalf of prisoners suffering from diabetes. The inmates were allegedly unable to access insulin during prison lockdowns, the Nashville Tennessean reported. In a prisoner complaint form, inmate Douglas Dodson described several nights during a three-week lockdown during which he and about 60 other diabetic inmates were not called to the prison clinic to receive insulin shots. In his complaint, Dodson said the insulin was either provided … [Read more...] about Suit alleges Tennessee neglected diabetic inmates