Hundreds of residents descended to the Lower Yard on October 31 to receive information and education about physical and mental health, enjoy camaraderie, and feast on free Halloween candy.
San Quentin’s medical staff hosted the annual Health and Wellness Fair. About 40 tables staffed by medical professionals from San Quentin and from the outside provided knowledge and resources to improve and empower residents to manage their health and wellness.
“Having information is important, as I start to listen to my body more than before coming to prison. I am getting the help I need before reentering society,” said resident Odin Esguerrazuniga, 22.
San Quentin health and program manager Tonia Woodson and healthcare nurse Diane Daniels organized the event with resident team members. Woodson said San Quentin had always experienced a divide between staff and residents, but she called today’s event “communal.”
“The interactions were amazing. It was like we were a big family out here today,” Woodson said.
Medical departments from dental services to recreational therapy showcased their specialties. Even the warehouse explained to residents their critical role in health care.
The medical laboratory drew a large crowd as they handed out juice-filled blood bags and urine sample cups. The laboratory also administered field sobriety tests with residents donning goggles that distorted perception, giving them an experience similar to intoxication.
Outside organizations Kaiser Permanente, Cal HR, Marin Medical and Reserve Corps, Marin County Health and Human Services, and Government Alliance on Race and Equity drew crowds as their tables provided activities.
“This event was about unity and peace together,” resident Jerome Leonard, 38, said. “Now my mental and physical health are better. I listen to my doctors. I am more active; I drink more water, and have healthier eating habits.”
Residents learned to perform CPR on test dummies and spun game wheels to answer healthrelated questions for candy as a Halloween treat.
Marin County Health and Human Services asked residents trivia questions about HIV, hepatitis C, and immunizations.
A resident asked, “Do vaccinations help keep people safe?” “The vaccine builds up the immune system and develops antibodies,” answered the representative.
“I make sure I get a check-up,” said resident Michael Tello, 22.
The Division of Adult Probation sat with residents, and suicide survivor Kevin Berthia told them that health and wellness includes creating a safe space for each other.
“A safe space is created from love and just being there for each other to express pain,” Berthia said.
San Quentin Senior Psychologist Dr. Hollander said, “The message comes and can fully be understood when a person is in a place within themselves to accept it, so you have to give yourself grace.”
Rhonda Lit, the institution’s CEO of medical services said that some residents put health care on the back burner.
“We are the silent partners within the institution. We focus on security, safety, and reintroduce some of the dynamic things of the rehabilitation model, from mental, nursing, and new initiatives,” Lit said.
Resident Angel Martinez said his health prior to incarceration was not a concern. “Because the information from the booths solidified things I was told before, I am now looking toward a healthier future and longer life expectancy.”
Several new programs were on display from the Peer Support Specialist Program and Shared Governance.
Shared Governance is a committee of medical staff working to improve and make medical interactions smoother. San Quentin site tech and committee treasurer Michael Houston and senior site tech and committee co-chair John Habana asked residents how they could improve.
Some residents discussed daily concerns that confronted them, such as slamming doors and other noise created by staff while residents try to sleep.
“We are researching the issues as a committee and seeing what is feasible, how to work together. We all program and are active in the medical departments,” Houston said. “We are trying to lead the way going forward.”
The medical warehouse drew the biggest crowd as they gave away insoles for shoes. A pharmacist answered questions.
Mr. Rivera, a dining hall administrator, provided nutrition education and discussed a medical recreational-aid program for individuals with diabetes.
“Nutrition is important for individuals with diabetes. Type II is the only disease you can manage with the amount of carbohydrates you take,” Rivera said. “Sometimes you can reverse it. Nutrition goes hand-in-hand with physical movement.”
A display board highlighted the amount of sugar and salt in many of the more popular canteen items.
Some residents drew chalk art on the ground, played tabletop games, and danced to the music spun by a DJ.
Others received haircuts from resident barbers, highlighting the importance of overall personal care, and resident Haka dancers performed and taught some medical staff a few dance steps.
“We all are like seeds and once planted, no matter how long it takes, we are waiting on the right time to grow,” resident Clinton Moore said.
