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Advocating for Your Loved One: Fighting for Adequate Medical Care and Mental Health Support in the Prison System


Advocating for a loved one who is incarcerated can be one of the most challenging experiences a family can face. The prison system often seems impenetrable, with layers of bureaucracy, neglect, and, in some cases, retaliation. The fight for adequate medical care and mental health support is a constant battle for many families, and it’s a battle that can feel overwhelming.

When someone you love is incarcerated, you expect that they will at least receive basic medical treatment and mental health care. However, many inmates struggle with untreated or inadequately managed mental health conditions, substance use disorders, and the trauma that comes with being institutionalized. For too many, the system neglects these needs, leaving them vulnerable to further harm.

The Challenges of Getting Proper Medical and Mental Health Care

Many incarcerated individuals suffer from severe substance use disorders (SUDs), mental health conditions such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and more. The lack of comprehensive mental health care inside the prison system is a huge issue. Medications that work for your loved one might be stopped abruptly, often without a proper transition plan, which can result in devastating consequences. The system doesn’t always take into account the complexity of mental health issues, switching medications without proper assessment, and leaving inmates vulnerable.

For instance, medications such as Seroquel (often prescribed for sleep disturbances and anxiety) may be stopped without warning, and substituted with less effective treatments. This can be life-threatening, especially for individuals already suffering from complex mental health issues.

In addition to these issues, many are denied access to Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), a critical component of recovery for those struggling with substance use disorders. Without MAT, inmates often resort to self-medicating through illicit means, which only perpetuates the cycle of addiction.

Retaliation and Intimidation from Prison Staff

When families advocate for their loved ones, it’s not uncommon for inmates to face retaliation. Staff might withhold personal items, make unprofessional or degrading comments, or ignore requests for medical treatment. Unfortunately, some inmates are even discouraged from pressing charges or seeking help after being assaulted, out of fear that they will face further mistreatment.

Families advocating for their loved ones may be warned to “be careful who you talk to” because complaints or calls for help can sometimes trigger retaliation. This retaliation can take many forms, from the deletion of important communication (such as messages and photos) to the withholding of necessary medications or personal property.

How Families Can Advocate for Their Loved Ones

Despite the challenges, families can play a crucial role in advocating for their loved ones' medical care and mental health treatment. Here are steps you can take to ensure your voice is heard and your loved one receives the support they need:

  1. Stay Informed About Their Medical Rights: Inmates have the right to adequate medical care under the Eighth Amendment. This includes access to necessary medications, mental health treatment, and safe living conditions. Familiarize yourself with your loved one’s rights so that you can advocate effectively.

  2. Document Everything: Keep detailed records of all communication with prison staff, medical personnel, and advocacy organizations. Make note of any changes in your loved one’s treatment, medications, or housing status, as well as any instances of unprofessional behavior or retaliation.

  3. Request a Medical and Mental Health Re-evaluation: If your loved one’s medication has been discontinued or changed, request a re-evaluation of their psychiatric treatment. You can also ask for Genesight testing, which helps determine the most appropriate medications based on genetic profiles, avoiding harmful medication switches.

  4. Advocate for Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): If your loved one struggles with substance use disorders, MAT is a proven and effective treatment. Make it clear that your loved one has a medical right to this treatment and push for access to MAT as part of their rehabilitation.

  5. Contact the Correct Authorities: If you feel that your loved one’s treatment is being ignored or mishandled, don’t hesitate to escalate the issue. Contact Constituent Services, the warden, and deputy wardens of the facility, as well as the state’s Department of Corrections or equivalent authority. In some cases, it may be necessary to reach out to your state’s governor for further attention.

  6. Highlight Retaliatory Behavior: If your loved one is facing retaliation for advocating for their rights or for your advocacy on their behalf, it’s important to document this and report it to the relevant authorities. Retaliation is illegal and unethical, and there should be accountability for such actions.

  7. Get Involved with Advocacy Groups: There are many organizations that advocate for inmate rights, including access to proper medical care and mental health treatment. Groups like the ACLU and Prisoner’s Rights Advocacy groups can provide resources and support as you navigate these challenges.

  8. Know That Drugs in Prisons Are a Real Problem: Many families are unaware that drugs are often brought into prisons by staff members. This perpetuates the cycle of addiction and makes rehabilitation more difficult for inmates. Speak up about this issue and push for internal investigations into staff involvement in drug trafficking within the system.

My Personal Experience

The reason I know all of this is because I am living it firsthand. I currently advocate for my husband, and I deal with these struggles daily. From retaliation from staff to withheld medical treatment, I have seen how difficult it is to ensure that he receives the care and support he deserves. It’s a constant battle, but one worth fighting for.

Need Help?

If you’re struggling to advocate for your loved one, feel free to reach out to me. I’ve been through this process myself and know how difficult it can be. I can offer advice and try to point you in the right direction. Together, we can make sure our loved ones are getting the treatment and care they need.

Daily Bible Verse:

Isaiah 41:10 (NIV): “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

No one should have to go without adequate medical care, suffer in silence, or be mistreated because they are incarcerated. Together, we can raise our voices and demand the care, respect, and dignity that every human being deserves—inside or outside the prison walls.

#PrisonReform #InmateAdvocacy #MedicalRights #MentalHealthAwareness #EndRecidivism #EppersonEmpowerment #EndMassIncarceration #JusticeForInmates #FightForChange #PrisonWifeJourney #StandUpForYourLovedOnes #FaithAndStrength

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