Improving Health Awareness among Incarcerated Wisconsinites through Information and Self-Empowerment

Project Description Narrative:

Direct and indirect consequences of experiencing incarceration can contribute to poor health outcomes, with individuals who are system-impacted experiencing higher rates of substance use disorders, mental illness, chronic non-communicable diseases, and infectious diseases and respiratory infections. In Wisconsin, more than 20,000 individuals are incarcerated, and another 63,000 live in the community on probation or parole.

Research has shown that health education can lead to significantly improved health outcomes for individuals exposed to incarceration. Through this project, a comprehensive series of health-related newsletters will be distributed to 10,000 individuals incarcerated in Wisconsin’s prison system, equipping them with knowledge to advocate for their care in prison and after they return to their community.