SQ Health Fair

Professional healthcare workers showed up at San Quentin

October 23, 2019 by Aron Kumar Roy

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!”

San Quentin holds 15th Annual Health Fair

October 22, 2018 by Wayne Boatwright

Hundreds of prisoners formed long lines on San Quentin’s Lower Yard at the prison’s 15th Annual Health Fair on Aug. 24.
Stations were set up throughout the prison where volunteers offered medical services and wellness information, ranging from blood pressure checks and chiropractic services to mental health seminars, diabetes tests and nutritional information.
In total, 156 volunteers served more than 2,000 prisoners throughout the day.
“It’s important for everyone to have the education to take care of themselves,” said Madeline Tenney, staff sponsor of a self-help organization Teaching Responsibility Utilizing Sociological Training (TRUST).
“Don’t be afraid of information. Know your health status. It’s scary to go to the doctor and find out bad news, but if you don’t, it will kill you,” said Georgia Schreiber, Alameda County Public Health Department Investigator, as the volunteers went through an hour of orientation in the Protestant chapel before beginning the Health Fair at 10 a.m.
TRUST sponsored the one-day event in collaboration with various healthcare service providers in the Bay Area.
TRUST has different workshops based on how you live your life; you learn life skills, accountability, childhood trauma [effects], mindfulness as a tool to see what is going on inside and outside of self and gain emotional intelligence.
To guarantee the community explores all the Health Fair has to offer, many stations had raffle prizes, and a gift bag was offered to all men who visited at least one station in each of the four main areas of Education, Gym, Lower Yard and the ARC building.
THE PRISON GYM:
You may have seen men with tiny pink beads taped to the ear; they received acupressure ear seeds. Patients described an ailment and then a teacher or student from the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine taped a bead onto a particular area of the ear.
This was just one of the services provided in the gym, which included chiropractors, acupuncture, Tai Chi and Qigong. Present also were notaries for California Advanced Health Care Directive (deathbed agent instructions and power of attorney), hand washing education and information about diabetes.
The Health Fair would not work without a multitude of incarcerated volunteers. Richard “3Dee” Benjamin, a Team Leader, is a 55-year-old lifer who is a TRUST Fellow. He has served 25 years. He volunteers to “offer the community a service—to give back.”
“I think this is a really exciting project because it’s run by inmates; we’re just invited. I’m really impressed by who they get to come,” Chief Medical Executive Dr. Tootell said.
Tootell has been invited to the Health Fair each of the past eight years.
Volunteer Charlie Thao, a lifer with 12 years in, learned Tai Chi through Restoring Our Original True Selves (ROOTS). “Tai Chi brings you health,” he said “It calms you down and releases stress. It’s like meditation.” Thao added that Tai Chi “spreads culture and brings diversity to the prison. I’m trying to make amends—give back to my community in small ways.”
Rev. Debbie has been teaching Tai Chi at the fair for five years. She’s also the Director of Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity at United Interfaith Church of Christ. Her church brings together people to advocate for the end of deportation and mass incarceration.
“I keep coming back because I keep thinking about the people I met last year,” Debbie said.
Arrison Seuga served 21 years in prison, 11 at Quentin. He paroled in 2010. When he worked in Receive and Release, he only met people who failed on parole and came back to prison. Now he’s a re-entry director with Asian Prison Support Community (APSC). He came back to share.
“We only heard stories from recidivists,” Seuga said. “We [people successful on parole] weren’t allowed back in. Now I wanted to be that example.” Seuga asked, “Who better to inform those who are getting out on parole than those who have navigated it successfully?”
“We have twice as many chiropractors as last year,” chiropractor John said. “Thirty-three is the most we ever had.” Chiropractor Paul grew up in Roxbury, Boston. He’s a Black man who participates as part of his commitment to social justice. This is his fourth SQ Health Fair. “I honestly feel no one should be judged,” Paul said. “People are people.”
“Each year teams are run smoother, and we manage to take care of more inmates every year,” chiropractor John said. “Our goal is to take care of everybody who needs it.”
One of the most significant stations was a table staffed by three notaries ready to execute an Advance Healthcare Directive for the men. Maria D., office manager at Alameda County Care Partners, explained the Advance Directive, “The idea is to plan ahead in the event something happens to you and you want to appoint someone to make decisions regarding your healthcare,” said Maria D. of the Alameda County Care Partners.
EDUCATION BUILDING:
In the Education Building on the Lower Yard, dental hygienists gave instructions about dental care and mental health professionals offered 20-minute seminars on a variety of topics for developing inner freedom or self-expression.
There were more than 30 men who attended Ms. Strock class. Strock is an art and recreation therapist, who has worked for CDCR for more than six years. “I work at the psychiatric inpatient hospital in the main buildings helping with long term inpatient care,” Strock said, as she prepared for her first session.
Strock’s session has three areas of focus: centering mechanisms (your attention/self), body posture; and art processes.
“We’re looking for a reason to have purpose in life. Art is such a purpose,” Strock said. “Many of my clients are deeply discouraged and depressed, but a way to communicate and express.
These feelings is critical.”Dental care has always been a focus on the Health Fair, and it was again this year in education.
“I enjoy doing this,” said Shawnette, a registered dental assistant who has worked at SQ for nine years and volunteered for five years. “From the first health fair to now, a lot of patients are genuinely concerned about their oral hygiene. It’s a joy to me to pass on this information to the patients.”
At her station they offered basic oral hygiene and how to identify an emergency.
“Pain is an emergency,” Shawnette explained. “No pain isn’t.”
If you missed the Health Fair, under CDCR rules, people over 50 are entitled to a dental examination every year; for those under 50, it’s every two years.
“I’ve seen big-time improvement in the dental health of the inmates,” Shawnette said.
ARC BUILDING:
The ARC building was organized to provide a full range of health screenings for blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol (with the results provided immediately), Body-Mass Index (BMI) and weight checks, vision and hearing. These screenings were offered by both CDCR personnel and the San Francisco State University (SFSU) School of Nursing students and newly minted registered nurses and professors.
“These basic health screens are essential to identify if you have a problem; “we’ll give detailed info for your next appointment and recommend it,” said Beth Kao, an SFSU Nursing Student.
The volunteer inmates organized the attendees in lines and prepared them to efficiently make use of the multiple health screening stations.
“I believe in giving back to my community. I’ve been in for 21 years, and this is my way of contributing,” TRUST volunteer Tim Warren said.
Warren gave credit to TRUST. “TRUST is a program where we help men turn liabilities into assets. We work to develop a full set of tools to become a better man,” .
LOWER YARD:
The Lower Yard echoed with the music of participants practicing spiritual healing through drumming. All were welcome to try their hand at the shared experience sponsored by Alameda County Public Health as hundreds of men lined up at over a dozen stations set up on the Lower Yard.
A station with much attention was the CDCR’s 602 HC. the health care grievance process was explained by RN Podolsky. She detailed recent changes such as there are now only two levels and a 45-day review period. She reminded the community that this was a combined health and legal process; therefore, even though the health care matter was reviewed within a day, the legal process could take much longer. She always advised that if it is an emergency, go through the normal appointment process for quicker service.
The Bay Area service providers included the Bay Area Black Nurses Association, Alameda County Health Department, San Francisco State University Nursing School, the San Quentin State Prison Medical Department, and Centerforce.
Centerforce provides incarcerated individuals and their families a variety of services from parenthood classes and health education to connections to services upon release.
–Rahsaan Thomas, Marcus Henderson and Lloyd Payne contributed to this story

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More inmates taking meds for mental health issues

Prisoners seek hepatitis C treatment

Boatwright

14th annual Health Fair held under smoky skies

November 2, 2017 by Marcus Henderson

Participants learn to practice Tai Chi in the Lower Yard Gym

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.

Nurses demonstrating eye exams

“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.

Students learning about flu shots and immunity

“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.

Nurse providing information about medical Advance Directives

“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).

Nurse taking blood to test for glucose and cholesterol

“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.

Students learn important information about dental health

Participant taking part in the hearing test

“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.

Participants spinning the wheel about the facts of STDs

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.

Spiritual healing offered prayers for participants

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.

Chiropractor adjusting the back of a participant

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.”

Dr. Ames speaking in the therapy class

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

TRUST Holds Its 11th Annual Health Fair Event

September 29, 2014 by Kevin Sawyer

San Quentin’s annual Health Fair has entered its second decade with the completion of the 11th event, held in August. The popular event is sponsored by TRUST (Teaching Responsibility Utilizing Sociological Training)

Nurse doing a blood pressure check for one inmate

“It’s one of the most anticipated events in the prison for the entire population,” said Kelly Mitchell, Chief Deputy Warden.
The Health Fair is in a perpetual state of development and planning to make each year better than the previous year.
“It’s always exciting to come here,” said Dr. Arnold Perkins. “I think it’s important for the men on the inside to have contact with the community outside.”

Dental assistance explains the importance of brushing

Some see the Health Fair as a one-day event to promote good health, but its preparation is a yearlong process. The support of the warden’s office, staff, outside volunteers and inmates makes it possible.
“I was the Public Health Director when we started with Gary Mendez,” Perkins said. “Then we decided … we wanted to make sure the men in prison had health resources. We felt that having a healthy mind, body and spirit was really important to the rehabilitation of the men.”

Volunteers doing a hearing test for
inmates in the Arc Trailer

Perkins said former Warden Robert Ayers was the person who set this in place. He said Ayers wanted them to come in and work with the men. “He wanted us to instill in the men that they deserve to be healthy, and they deserve to be informed on how to maintain their healthy state,” Perkins said.
The day before the Health Fair, TRUST held an orientation to provide instruction on what must be done to make the event successful.

Chiropractor Fred Githler working diligently

On the day of the Health Fair, more than 100 volunteers from the medical community filed into the prison’s Protestant Chapel, where they were greeted by staff and inmates with coffee and pastries.
“You are all part of history in the making,” said Angelo Falcone-Alvarez, TRUST secretary. “You are all hope dealers.”

Mildred Crear working
in the ARC bulding

For some medical volunteers, the Health Fair was their first time they had visited San Quentin or the inside of any prison.
At 10 a.m. it was show time, and all of the volunteers worked tirelessly to provide inmates with healthcare services and information.
“I’m excited. These fairs are beneficial. They have my support,” said Associate Warden Steve Albritton. He was curious to know if inmates discovered something about themselves that they did not know previously, such as if they have high blood pressure.

Alameda County Hospice Volunteers
Marilyn Ababio and Notary Safia Quinn

Inmates waited in several lines on the Lower Yard to receive services. Inmates received acupressure and chiropractic services in the prison’s gymnasium, as well as yoga lessons. There were also University of California San Francisco (UCSF) resident physicians who answered questions.
“I am so fortunate every time I come to San Quentin,” said Sachi Doctor, a volunteer who also works with The Last Mile program. “The opportunity and time to practice yoga (with prisoners) given the conditions justifies their desire to grow and transform. There are so many forms of exercise, but I love the personal transformation I find in yoga. I wanted to take transformation to next level.”

One inmate is concentrating on his finger after being pricked by a needle

“It’s an inspiration to come through and see how nervous prisoners are until they try it,” said Gibron McDonald, a volunteer yoga instructor. “Sometimes we think we are not worthy of medicine. Yoga is medicine. It’s a blessing; there’s healing that takes place here.”

Inmates lined up to get health information from Centerforce volunteers

Dr. Triveni Defries, a UCSF resident physician, said she has been to San Quentin before, but never to a Health Fair. “It seems to be very well-organized. We’re here to answer any medical questions” on subjects such as breathing problems, skin infections, heart attacks, strokes, Hepatitis C, depression and diabetes. “We’re willing to talk about whatever anyone wants to talk about,” she said.
Dr. Emily Wistar, another UCSF resident physician, said she is in a program in San Francisco to provide primary care to underserved communities. “I think it’s a good resource for us to work with you guys,” Wistar said.

Centerforce volunteers
Ashley Malone and Daniel Perez

“I thought it would be much more boring,” said Dr. Asa Clemenzi of UCSF. “I thought it was nice to just answer people’s questions about health. It’s an opportunity to pass on some knowledge.”
“Trust me, you’ll be fine,” said Dr. Fred Githler, who has been a chiropractor for more than 20 years. He has his own private practice and attended the Health Fair for the fourth time. He said he heard about it through Life West Chiropractic College. “Each year it gets bigger. Any volunteer work is enlightening.”

Almeda County Public Health
Volunteer Janetta M.

Dirk Schlueter, who works in acupressure for the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ACTCM) in San Francisco, demonstrated the manipulation of vaccaria seeds on different points of the ear. When pressing the seed on the ear, it stimulates an acupressure point.
“This is the first time we are here, so we are pretty excited,” said Schlueter. “We try to find certain combinations that are right for you guys,” said Schlueter.
Erin Reilly works with parolees from San Quentin and Pelican Bay State Prisons at Options Detox in Berkeley. “It’s still early,” Reilly said. “We’re looking forward to helping people.”
“Overall it’s very positive, very progressive,” said Shaka Muhammad, who is an IDAP (Inmate Disability Assistant Program) worker. “It gives guys insight on health. They should probably have information on the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).”

Chris Deragon getting his blood
pressure checked by a volunteer

Safia Quinn volunteered her services as a notary to certify the medical forms the men signed for advance directives. This was her first San Quentin Health Fair. She said she has volunteered at similar events in Oakland and Hayward. “I think it’s very beneficial. It’s definitely a treat,” she said.
“This is my third one,” said inmate Douglass Manns. “It’s a larger crowd from when I first started. He said the general population has grown over the years at the prison because of the addition of inmates to West Block.
Redwood Dental Hygienists Society (RDHS), a component of the California Dental Hygienists Association, attended the Health Fair to give inmates demonstrations on how to properly brush and floss their teeth. They also answered questions on oral hygiene.
“It seems like they’re improving on the whole way they’ve stepped up,” said Laura Birchett, a hygienist with RDHS who participated at the fair last year. “I think it’s wonderful that they bring this to San Quentin and that the inmates are so involved in putting this together.”
Jessica Wong, a hygienist with RDHS, said, “I’m thoroughly enjoying my time. I enjoy getting to know you guys.”
“They were open to receiving our pamphlets,” said Ashley Malone of Center Force. “A lot of people were interested in our peer health class.”
Inside the ARC (Addiction Recovery Center) trailer, volunteers offered readings for blood pressure, glucose levels, cholesterol levels, vision and hearing testing.
Inmate Todd Jones was getting his blood pressure checked in the ARC trailer. “Last year I only went to the gym. I didn’t come in here.” Jones said he visited the acupressure area earlier. “I’ve never done it before. It’s interesting. I think it’s better than medication. It’s natural.”
“It moved a lot quicker than it did last year. I think it’s great,” said inmate John Ray Ervin. “It’s a different experience, something I never experienced on the street. It teaches you a lot about your body. He said he learned ‘our bodies are beat up.’ ”
Dr. Bill Bolinger, an independent chiropractor and health fair volunteer, said it was his first health fair at San Quentin. “I think we should be here every month. It’s great that they do this at least once a year.”
“I get more from what I do,” said Bolinger, who has done mission work in Vietnam and Mexico and planned to do the same at a Native American reservation in New Mexico a week later.
“This year was run a lot smoother,” said Nick Grant, a Health Fair volunteer with Chiropractic Outreach. He said this was his third visit to San Quentin for the event. “There wasn’t that congestion” as in previous years.
Grant said his organization volunteers around the world to treat people in Mexico, Laos and Fiji. He discussed a Harvard University study on joints. He said the study reported that joints that do not move degenerate within two weeks. “We want to keep those joints moving because a moving body is a healthy body.”
Dr. Tammi Clark, a volunteer chiropractor, said the spine and nervous system work together, and that sometimes restricted joints become painful. “Often you see benefits when restrictions are released. We restore mobility so they (joints) can move better.”
“It’s about optimizing health,” said Clark. “The spine is made up of so many bones that when they’re off, other parts of the body compensate. If they spent as much time with flexibility (stretching) as building bulky muscles, they’d be in better shape.”
“Today is going smoother than any other Health Fair,” said Tyrone “T-Bone” Allen, an inmate and founding member of TRUST.
According to Allen, in 2003 Jerry Brown, who was then mayor of Oakland, commented on how Oakland had become a dumping ground for San Quentin. It was at that time San Quentin Warden Jeanne Woodford decided she would help to make changes. She created programs with the help of Dr. Gary Mendez and Lt. Vernell Crittendon.
Allen said Woodford helped to form TRUST. Its goal was to Teach Responsibility Utilizing Sociological Training (TRUST).
Allen said TRUST “started working with these guys to build bridges back to the community,” and bring homicide rates down in the Bay Area by educating black men about who they are.
Allen said the first Health Fair was about dealing with issues that African-Americans face, such as sickle cell anemia, high blood pressure, alcoholism, substance abuse, STDs and HIV.
According to Allen, Perkins and Chavez joined with TRUST to organize the Health Fair during Black History Month in 2003. “Today, this project has evolved into an all-inclusive health fair for all groups, not just African-[American]s,” said Allen.
Phoeun You, Emile DeWeaver, Richard “Bonaru” Richardson and JulianGlenn Padgett contributed to this story.

10th Annual TRUST Health Fair Screens Over 1,000

September 19, 2013 by San Quentin News Staff

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.”

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