Mark Loughney “Five Hundred Faces of Incarceration”
As the United States begins a gradual reopening of the country’s public spaces, we do well to consider how the State is handling the spread of COVID-19 within our prison system. President Donald Trump endorsed Second Chance Month on March 31, 2020 - a proclamation that recognizes the potential in formerly incarcerated Americans.
If we are intentional about giving our current prison population the tools to be successful upon release, public health measures must be set in place right now. Media outlets have reported that 73% of Ohio prisoners have tested positive for COVID-19, nearly 40% of Arkansas cases are concentrated in prisons, and cases are climbing in Florida.
Is this consistent with our goals?