Johnnie Lambert, Sue Smith, and Kim Pearson join Lorry to talk about the latest correctional health care news.

 

State settles with inmate seeking sex change operation

The state of Nebraska agreed to settle a civil rights lawsuit filed by an inmate who claimed that the state prison’s medical director refused to provide hormone therapy for a gender identity disorder. The article quotes the US Department of Justice’s policy guide as saying that denying inmates with gender dysphoria the ability to fully adopt a gender role that matches their gender identity can constitute a denial of necessary medical care and, therefore, be in violation of the inmate’s constitutional rights. Things are moving fast throughout society regarding transgender issues. Panelists share their experiences and insights.

 

Health woes shut Parchman kitchen 

Word from the Mississippi State Penitentiary, also called Parchman, that one of their largest kitchens was shut down due to health violations. Pictures from the article show evidence of rodents, leaking ceilings, and unclean conditions. Parchman is the state’s oldest Institution, opening in 1901. It is located on approximately 18,000 acres and has a capacity of approximately 3,590 beds. Health violations in an old prison kitchen in Mississippi is a symptom of just one of the health issues involved in housing inmates in run down facilities far from much of civilization. Panelists discuss the health concerns of the correctional environment.

 

Ramen noodles are now the prison currency of choice 

The inmate underground is where items of value are exchanged for services. In this barter system, common currency includes cigarettes, cell phones or medications. But a sociology study out of the University of Arizona is suggesting that Raman noodles are gaining ascendency in the prison barter culture.

 

Behind the badge: Nursing behind bars at the Ontario County Jail 

This story highlights the work of Ontario County Jail nurse, Joan Mitchell, and her work in the New York Jail. The article was initiated by her recent certification as a CCHP-RN which is the nurse-specific certification for Correctional Health Professionals.

 

 

What are your thoughts on these news stories? Share your insights in the comments section of this post.