Mass incarceration is a major public health issue in the United States. With over 2 million people currently incarcerated, the US leads the world in incarceration rates. The negative health impacts created by mass incarceration are present not only in prisons, but also the communities that prisons are located in and the communities where adults in custody come from, which are disproportionately low income and communities of color.
Oregon PSR and Oregon Justice Resource Center are continuing our discussion on mass incarceration and public health with regard to Oregon state prisons and adults in custody in Oregon. Our March 18th webinar explores Oregon’s compassionate release laws and our collaborative work with Senator Dembrow and Representative Reynolds to improve them. We also discuss SB 835/HB 3298, which would improve and modify procedures for early medical release of adults in custody from prison.