Incarcerated Populations
Updated May 2005
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, 1.9% of all state and
federal prison inmates, or 24,147 inmates, were known to be HIV-positive
at the end of 2001, the last year for which data is available. While
the percentage of inmates with HIV/AIDS decreased from 2% to 1.9%
between 2000 and 2001, the number of AIDS-related deaths in prisons
increased dramatically by 38% with 256 AIDS deaths in 2001. Moreover,
by the end of that year, 3.2% of all female prison inmates in the
U.S. were diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. Incarcerated populations facing
HIV/AIDS is a significant issue in terms of preventative education,
treatment, and health policy. Medical negligence of AIDS-related
symptoms and infections and undocumented discrimination towards
HIV-infected inmates contribute to the apparent rise of AIDS-related
prison deaths. Unsanitary living conditions and underdeveloped HIV
prevention education programming within correctional facilities
further increase the risk of infection. In poorly monitored public
health programs and medical facilities, incarcerated HIV/AIDS patients
often receive treatment for their illnesses and symptoms under unhygienic
and hazardous health conditions. The following organizations and
publications serve as resources on HIV/AIDS within correctional
facilities.
Organizations
Infectious Diseases in Corrections Report (IDCR)
IDCR, the umbrella forum for the HIV & Hepatitis Prison Project (HEPP), is sponsored by the Brown Medical School Office of Continuing Medical Education, is a forum for correctional problem solving. Their monthly Report targets correctional administrators and HIV/AIDS and hepatitis care providers, and is available online in PDF format.
Osborne Association: AIDS in Prison Project
www.osborneny.org/health_services.htm
The Osborne Association offers opportunities for individuals who have been in conflict with the law to transform their lives through innovative, effective, and replicable programs that serve the community by reducing crime and its human and economic costs. Osborne's AIDS in Prison Project provides an AIDS in Prison Hotline for New York State prisoners.
Positive Populations
Positive Populations is a bimonthly newsletter that examines infectious disease policies and program management within public health. This website includes current and archival articles and initiatives regarding HIV/AIDS treatment, education, and care within correctional facilities as well as online forums and resources.
Prison Activist Resource Center (PARC)
PARC is committed to exposing and challenging the institutionalized racism of the criminal injustice system. PARC provides support for educators, activists, prisoners, and prisoners' families. See www.prisonactivist.org/links/Prison_Conditions_and_The_Crisis_Behind_Bars/Medical_Neglect/ for information about HIV/AIDS in prisons.
Prisoners with AIDS Rights Advocacy Group (PWA RAG)
PWA RAG provides information and advocacy support, and a free quarterly newsletter that addresses civil rights and health concerns for prisoners with HIV/AIDS in the United States.
Publications
Arriola J., Braithwaite K and R, Kennedy S, et al. "A collaborative effort to enhance HIV/STI Screening in Five County Jails." Public Health Rep 2001 (116): 520.
Braithwaite RL, Arriola KR. "Male Prisoners and HIV Prevention: a Call for Action Ignored." Am J Public Health. 2003 May 93(5): 759-63.
Davies JB, Shewan D. Drug Use and Prisons: An International Perspective. Routledge. 2000.
Goyer, KC. HIV/AIDS in Prison: Problems, Policies and Potential (ISS Monograph Series). Institute for Security Studies. 2003.
Incarcerated Woman: Rehabilitative Programming in Women's Prisons. Sharp SF, Muraskin R (Eds). Prentice Hall. 2002.
Robillard AG, Gallito-Zaparaniuk P, Arriola J, Kennedy S, Hammett T, Braithwaite RL. " Partners and processes in HIV services for inmates and ex-offenders. Facilitating collaboration and service delivery." Eval Rev. 2003 Oct 27(5): 535-62.
4 Center for Disease Control Prevention. HIV/AIDS Surveillance Report 2003. 15(12;Table 3).
5 “HIV in Prisons, 2001.” Laura M. Maruschak, BJS Technician. U.S. Department of Justice. NCJ 202293. January 2004.
6 “HIV in Prisons, 2001.” Laura M. Maruschak, BJS Technician. U.S. Department of Justice. NCJ 202293. January 2004.