Smoke from the North Bay wildfires loomed over San Quentin, but it failed to derail the 14th Annual TRUST Health Fair. Despite the poor air quality, hundreds of inmates and volunteers braved the elements to give and receive medical services.

“It was a debate in our executive office, if we should have the fair or not,” said Steve Emrick, San Quentin Community Partnership Manager. “But we made the decision to push forward; we have seen the changes this event has had on our own health services. Sometimes they capture something in someone who may not have gone in for an appointment.”

The Oct. 13 event was held on the Lower Yard where various buildings were put to new use and booths were strategically placed on the yard for services. Lines of men visited the different booths and received health information from the professionals. 

 “This event gets harder to organize every year,” said Dr. Ian Tremayne, organizer of the chiropractor volunteers. “But with everything going on in the world, being here is awesome. I get hate mail because of what we do here, but our jobs are being servants. Healthcare is a right, not a privilege. It’s not judgmental.

“Some of these guys haven’t been touched with care in years and to see them walk away with a smile, you take that to heart,” said Tremayne.

The chiropractors were stationed inside the prison’s gym, adjusting bodies and necks to relieve prisoners’ pains. Meanwhile, other inmates were taken through the different postures and poses of Tai Chi with the practitioners from ROOTS Friends and Asian Health Services.

“It’s about awareness. I want to leave here a better man, and I’m thinking about my future”

“Each person who gets an adjustment and gets in touch with themselves is going to affect how they treat other people,” said chiropractor Darren Murphy. “In a prison population, that’s very important. We free tension and pressure on nerves.”

Tai Chi instructor Rayna Young added, “Tai Chi helps with your flexibility and strength; it calms you and lowers your blood pressure. It clears your mind and helps you shower yourself with positive energy, which everyone needs, especially with what’s going on in the world.”   

Noticeably missing at this year’s fair was the acupressure station provided by the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It was hard for the teachers and students to reschedule, after the fair was canceled in August, due to a San Quentin lockdown, said TRUST sponsors.

“This was a good experience,” said inmate Gene Daniels, taking in his first health fair. “It’s about awareness. I want to leave here a better man, and I’m thinking about my future. We want to be judged by what is possible and not our past.”

The men were able to fill out a California Advance Health Care Directive, a medical decision form available inside the gym area. The form dealt with end-of-life decisions. A notary public was on hand to certify the form.

“It’s important because a lot of people have medical needs and are not getting treatment,” said inmate Jesse Gomez, who also was attending his first health fair. “It’s about getting knowledge of a healthy lifestyle.”

Workers from the Alameda County Public Health Department (ACPHD) helped the men fill out the required paperwork.

“The form allows the men to be advocates for themselves and the people whom they trust with their medical decisions,” said Jen Li, ACPHD volunteer. “People always say I will do it tomorrow, but tomorrow is not promised.”

In another building prisoners received blood pressure, glucose, eye and hearing checks, administered by Bay Area Black Nurses Association and University of San Francisco Nursing Students (USFNS).

“There’s something about being able to help people and being able to help in any way,” said Lupita Estrada, who helped Sonoma County fire victims the day before coming up to SQ.

Norlissa Cooper, also of USFNS, added, “It’s important for people to have glucose and cholesterol screening and learning the right foods to eat, whether inside or outside. We have to teach each other as a community, so we can cut down on the negative statistics.”

Dental and mental health seminars were held in the education building. In one classroom the men were taken through the proper way of brushing and the process for emergency dental care. Therapy techniques were offered in another classroom on effective ways to use leisure time to manage stress.

“The more you eat, the more plaque is created. Rinse with water. Eat less frequently – if you eat M&M’s, eat them all and be done with it, then rinse,” said Eileen Hamlin, a Registered Dental Assistant with the Alameda County Dental Department. “I still have my teeth because I learned to take care of them,” she said.

Hamlin also advised that if you have diabetes, it’s more important to keep your mouth clean so bacteria won’t affect the heart or diabetes.

Courtney Murphy, another volunteer, added, “A lot of what we drink affects our teeth. Soda and energy drinks are worst, coffee not that bad. The more sugar, the more bacteria and the more tooth decay.

“Bacteria can travel through the body. The mouth is the window to the body. People have died from tooth infections,” continued Murphy, also of the Alameda County Office of Dental Health.

On the yard the men received nutritious snacks (granola bars, almonds, blueberry packs) as they visited the booths of Centerforce, a peer health group; Iglesia Jesus Sana y Salva (Jesus Heals and Saves Church), who provided prayers; and Alameda Public Health Investigators, who discussed HIV awareness and other STDs. 

At the public health booth prisoners spun a wheel labeled with questions related to healthy or unhealthy relationships to receive their prizes.

“People need to know what’s new in healthcare and prevention,” said Mariam R., public health investigator. “We do care about these men’s health because they are a part of the community. We have to know what parts of the population are being infected, because sexual health is a vital part of your health.”

 

Spiritual volunteer Columba Ortega added, “Love motivates me to come here. Love brings us here. Our volunteers are anxious to get here every year. Sometimes people just need someone to talk to, and we like them to share with us. We wish we could do more.” This is Ortega’s third year attending the health fair with her husband, Marciano Ortega.

The TRUST health fair started as a small affair that was held in the SQ Chapel area. It has grown into the biggest health fair for prisoners in the country, said inmate Philip Senegal, TRUST vice chairman.

“We want to keep you informed. You are the voice within and we can take your messages outside. We work with multiple services to help those affected by incarceration,” concluded Lyles.“We’re committed to the SQ community. You guys are our brothers, uncles, fathers – this gives us an opportunity for dialogue and to prepare you all for release,” said Dolores (CQ) Lyles, Executive Director of Centerforce.

-—Rahsaan Thomas and Jesse Vasquez contributed to the story

Dozens of Bay Area physicians, nurses and healthcare providers made their way to San Quentin’s Lower Yard on August 16 to test, screen and offer medical checkups to more than 1,000 inmates at the 10th Annual TRUST Health Fair.
An assortment of public and private health organizations coordinated with Chief Medical Officer of San Quentin Elena Tootell to provide the services. Centerforce, Bay Area Black Nurses Association and Alameda County Public Health Department, Office of Urban Male Health Initiative, contributed to the Health Fair.
“This event is a gift because it gives people on the outside an opportunity to connect and experience the humanity and beauty of the people on the inside,”said event coordinator Leslie Schoenfeld. “To improve our current state we need to break down the barriers between us, put ourselves in each other’s shoes and lend a hand to each other. The San Quentin Health Fair is one small step toward bridging the outside to the inside and I’m honored to be a part of it.”
Information booths were set up around the prison’s Lower Yard, inside the Gym and in the Education Department classrooms.
“This is the 10th year of the nurses and student nurses participating in the health fair,” said Mildred Crear, R.N., of Bay Area Black Nurses Association. “Each year it seems to grow and we have been able to get more volunteers who really appreciate the opportunity. It is great.”
The examinations included blood pressure, diabetic testing and classes on dental hygiene, along with hearing and vision testing.
San Quentin’s Dental Department held classes to instruct inmates on proper dental care.
“There is a lot of frustration. People feel that they are not being treated,” said dental hygienist A. Zia. “We are providing information to the inmate about how to get the dental care and how the system works.” At the end of each class, participants received either a toothbrush or toothpaste.
“I am impressed how all the guys come together and commit to making the Health Fair happen,” said Rachael Greenblatt, a resident in internal medicine. “I would like to participate in future ones.”
Centerforce provided lectures about hepatitis/HIV/AIDS and handed out informational pamphlets highlighting prevention.
International Pastry of San Francisco donated morning pastries for the Health Fair volunteers.
Certificates of appreciations were presented to Carol F. Burton, Executive Director of Centerforce; Michael Shaw, Alameda Director Urban Male Health Initiative; Arnold Chavez, Alameda Urban Male Health Initiative, and Leslie Schoenfeld for organizing the health fair.
“This year the Health Fair was remarkable,” said Burton. “We recognized Arnold Perkins for his vision and celebrated 10 years of sponsoring this annual event, determined to promote health, healthy lifestyles and a positive future for the population of men who attended the Fair.” To find out more about Centerforce go to www.centerforce.org.
Steve Emrick, San Quentin Community Partnership Manager, and Michael Tyler, Chairman of TRUST presented the awards.
Angelo Falcone-Alvarez, TRUST Health Fair Coordinator and Secretary, emceed the event.
Raney Dixon, Patient Advocate
San Quentin News asked Raney Dixon, San Quentin’s Patient Advocate, her thoughts on inmate health.
Dixon said the San Quentin healthcare system “is not a perfect system.” She said no healthcare system is, and so inmates, like people outside, “must be their own loudest advocate.” However, when there are roadblocks and an inmate is bogged down, “That’s where my job comes in.”
As Patient Advocate, Dixon’s mission is to go to bat for inmates regarding medical issues. She said that often, “a 602 is not the way to go.” For example, she said, “recently an inmate was not getting the proper amount of his medication.” What might have taken days or weeks through the appeal process, “I was able to resolve in a few hours.” Glitches like this are one reason her role in inmate health care is so valuable. “I’m here for the men,” she said.
A Registered Nurse and longtime member of the San Quentin medical team, Dixon is no pushover. She said, “I know B.S. when I see it. And I don’t buy it, either.” But for those legitimate concerns and causes, “I’m there for them.”
Dixon said as a roving nurse she encounters difficulties the men don’t even know they have. One man came to her open line, talking about a stomach problem. Dixon thought he didn’t look good and treated the encounter as an emergency situation. Her insinct was correct: “He had appendicitis and needed emergency treatment.”
If an inmate has a difficult time getting around or for some other reason can’t make it into the clinic, Dixon will go see him. “It’s not difficult to see me,” she said, “just fill out an inmate request for interview and I’ll be there. What’s more, I’ll track you down.”
Dixon also holds a regular open line in each building and H Unit. As part of her mission, she is the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) verification representative.
Dixon said that although the CDCR and San Quentin Medical Department are large and complex, their goal is to provide the best health care possible and her job is to facilitate health requirements. Her objective is to get the men the help they need, Dixon said, “Come to the open line or send me an Inmate Request for Interview. I’ll help inmates navigate any impediments or overcome any difficulties they might encounter.”
Chiropractic Care by Joanna Hansen
Many inmates complained of back problems, which led to a long line of people waiting for chiropractic services.
San Quentin News asked chiropractic provider Janna Hansen why all the twisting and bending of the body that chiropractors perform relieves pain.
Hansen said a person’s brain and body communicate through the spinal cord and the nerves. She said, “One of the principal goals of chiropractic care is to adjust the spinal cord to improve and maintain a properly working nervous system.”
The nerves run through the spine and exit through joints of the spine, she said. Because the spine can get out of alignment, this puts pressure on the nerves. The pressure disrupts communication between the brain and the body. “The chiropractor’s job is to correct the misalignment,” she said.
Hansen said that once the chiropractic provider adjusts the spine and upper neck, many of the difficulties and discomforts disappear. Getting the neck and spine back into proper alignment also “improves the blood flow throughout the whole body, which allows the organs to function as they are supposed to,” she said.
Hansen said, “You may be a little sore, but that should go away after a day or two.” With the spine adjusted and the blood flowing, most inmates reported improvement from their various aliments.
“I feel great,” said Louis Calvin after his adjustment.
Kim Bailey, Diabetes Care
Kim Bailey provided insight about diabetic inmates at San Quentin.
“Diabetes means that a person has too much sugar in their blood,” explained Bailey.
The high blood sugar problems begin when the body no longer makes enough of a chemical called insulin. Insulin helps sugar move from the blood into the cells. With too little insulin, cells can’t get the sugar needed to stay healthy. So, when there’s not enough insulin, sugar stays in the blood and does not get to the cells. That condition is called “diabetes.”
There are two different types of diabetes. One of them, Type 1, usually Juvenile Onset Diabetes, is quite rare in prisons.
With Type 2 diabetes, which afflicts an estimated 25 percent of the San Quentin population, the body does not make enough insulin. Insulin levels are regulated by how much food a person eats, the person’s weight and the amount of diabetic medicine the person takes. Bailey said in San Quentin the problem is so common “Perhaps because the men don’t eat what they should.” Controlling one’s diabetes is important, she said. People need to be more active and control what they eat. “People lose their limbs as a result of not caring for their diabetes,” she added.
Bailey volunteers in the prison in several capacities, but she said one of her pet projects is to make sure the men know about diabetes. She said, “Be more active and eat more healthy foods” in order to avoid getting diabetes in the first place.
“It’s a pleasure to be here and give back,” said Nicholas Leslie Grant, a senior at Palmer Wester Chiropractor School.
“This is my first time participating in the Health Fair,” said Alicia Covarrubias, R.D.H. “I am happy to be here. We are all human. I would love to come to future events. We are all the same, just experience different event circumstances.”
“I’m impressed by the physical-natural environment,” said volunteer, Marilyn Ababio. “When I saw all the people I wondered how many people really belong in here. I wish there could be more people who are real. We need men with their families.”
“I was really excited to come here to talk to the people about their health,” said Cordela Stern, a resident at San Francisco Medical Center.
“We served hundreds of people,” said TRUST fellow, Randy Maluenda, referring to the chiropractors.
“This is the second Health Fair I participated in, said Tammi Clark. “A colleague of mine introduced me to the Health Fair. It really resonates with me to be able to communicate compassion. I volunteer to serve disadvantaged populations, like orphans in the slums of the world. There is dignity in the care we provide.”
“Society labels people. I try not to look at the labels,” said Arnold Chavez of Alameda County Health Department. “I try to show grace.”
“I like to give those that are less fortunate a little love and hope,” said Eric Jon McKillican, a chiropractor with 20 years experience. “Only something good can come out of helping people.”
“I used to volunteer to go on health missions in El Salvador,” said chiropractor Lawrence Callaway. “When I was given the chance to treat people, I jumped on it.”
“I was anxious to come to work today, and was surprised at all the people who are in here,” said San Quentin dental hygienist L. Birchett. “I enjoy this new experience, and the volunteers are really nice.”
“I’m gaining so much knowledge and experience,” said T. Avila. “I would love to come back next year.”
“I think that the Health Fair is positive, uplifting and needed. It’s nice to see inmates being educated on health and dental,” said Correctional Officer Griffin. “It’s a very educational experience for inmates and a great health environment.”
“To be so graciously invited to provide preventative health education materials to so many males, most of black and brown color, is a true God-given blessing,” said volunteer, R. Marquez. “Esto tambien pasara,” he added.
“Hopefully in the future I can continue to help (inmates) by getting a job here at the San Quentin hospital,” said A. Hernandez.
“This is my third time that I have had the privilege of volunteering at the San Quentin Health Fair,” said volunteer K. Powers. “I am proud to volunteer and help such a grateful and appreciative population of men.”
“It is an honor to be with the talented young men of Kid C.A.T. who are demonstrating leadership in supporting our youth and parents in communicating about incarceration and healthy parenting tips,” said Dr. Monique Le Sarre.
“I worked at the Health Fair last year and noticed after the Health Fair a lot of inmate/patients started to take better care of their teeth,” said registered dental assistant S. Turner.
“Centerforce will be back in January with Back to Family courses,” said volunteer Ms. Lyles. “There’s also a Centerforce office in Santa Rita for Valley State Prison.”
“I’m here to help people,” said Larry Vitale, RN, San Francisco State School of Nursing. “As humans we all need to help each other.”

Breaking the cycle of incarceration with music from behind prison walls

San Quentin’s Annual Health Fair Draws Its Usual Big Crowds

Health Fair Coming