Unlocking the Hidden Costs: How Prisons and Policing Impact Public Health

Carlos Martinez, an assistant professor of Latin American and Latino studies, dives deep into the health impacts of punitive policies in his co-edited book, All This Safety Is Killing Us: Health Justice Beyond Prisons, Police, and Borders. This work sheds light on how these policies mainly affect marginalized communities, including Black and brown individuals, LGBTQ+ populations, those with disabilities, and survivors of trauma.

Martinez emphasizes that current systems aimed at safety often do more harm than good. He believes in an abolitionist health justice movement, which seeks a new understanding of safety—one that promotes health and well-being for everyone, especially the most vulnerable.

Health Impact of Prisons

Incarceration takes a toll on health. Studies show that people in prison face higher rates of chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, and asthma compared to the general population. During the early days of COVID-19, overcrowded and poorly ventilated prisons became hotspots for infections, highlighting how dangerous these environments can be.

Aminah Elster, an advocate for women prisoners, details in Martinez’s book how many inmates suffer from systemic neglect and medical violence. This daily trauma contributes to health issues, affecting not only those in prison but also their families.

Public Health Beyond Prison Bars

The repercussions of policing extend beyond prison walls. Research indicates that people who experience aggressive policing have increased stress levels, raising their risk for conditions like PTSD and hypertension. For instance, men who encounter police frequently are three times more likely to develop PTSD.

Deportation also has severe mental health effects. The anxiety tied to the threat of deportation can lead to high blood pressure and other stress-related illnesses. Children with deported parents face significant declines in both mental and physical health as well.

Response from Healthcare Providers

Health professionals are stepping up to tackle these problems. Across the U.S., doctors, public health advocates, and medical students are teaming up with grassroots organizations to challenge the growth of the prison system. Instead of punitive measures, they advocate for models that focus on care and justice.

The book highlights how healthcare workers are organizing within hospitals and community health centers. They aim to reduce the influence of policing in healthcare settings. This collaboration merges research, practice, and activism, pushing for a healthier society without reliance on incarceration.

Lessons from the Book

Martinez hopes readers will understand the flaws in using safety as a reason to uphold carceral systems. He points out that these structures are costly, both financially and in terms of public health, and have not succeeded in making communities safer. For example, the U.S. has the highest homicide rate among wealthy nations, illustrating that these punitive measures are failing.

As funding for critical services like education and public health diminishes, the abolitionist health justice movement seeks to shift this trend. The focus is on creating a society that prioritizes health and safety for all, not just a few.

The insights presented in this book challenge us to rethink safety and health in our communities, urging a shift toward understanding and compassion rather than punishment. For more on the public health implications of punitive policies, you can refer to reports from the American Public Health Association.

Source link