Description
Book SynopsisThe United States correctional system is facing an urgent crisis in how to meet the health care needs of its prisoners. As the number of inmates in correctional facilities increases, prisons struggle to adequately address health care needs in a financially feasible way. Many prisoners enter the system with medical problems that have gone unmet, and the toxic environments inside the prisons further compromise their health, causing serious problems both within the prisons themselves and in society as a whole when the prisoners are released. Health and Health Care in the Nation''s Prisons presents a comprehensive and up-to-date assessment of the health care challenges facing today''s prisons along with concrete recommendations for change. In addition to an overview of the most common prison health care problems, this book provides a unique assessment of the needs of largely-overlooked prison populations, including women, people of color, and older adults. Authors Melvin Delgado and Denise Humm-Delgado cover high profile health care needs, such as substance abuse and mental illness, as well as lower profile needs like hepatitis and STDs. They also provide essential background information on the development of today''s crisis by tracing the history of the U.S. health care system and how it has changed over time to meet social needs.
Trade ReviewThe book presents a thorough discussion regarding the concerns among health care professionals within the correctional setting about the equality of health care given to the incarcerated population. . . . Health and Health Care in the Nation's Prisons is a well-rounded book that provides those who are currently in the correctional health care setting, as well as those who are interested in the field, a glimpse of what is going on and what the future holds. . . . I recommend that anyone interested in correctional health care take the time to read this book. * Corrections Compendium, Fall 2009 *
Well-documented book. Recommended. * CHOICE, September 2009 *
Table of ContentsPart 1 Part I. Context Chapter 2 Chapter 1. Introduction Chapter 3 Chapter 2. Demographics Chapter 4 Chapter 3. Social Inequalities Chapter 5 Chapter 4. Political and Ethical Considerations Part 6 Part II. Health Needs, Approaches, and Finances Chapter 7 Chapter 5. High-Profile Health Needs Chapter 8 Chapter 6. Low-Profile Health Care Needs Chapter 9 Chapter 7. Death and Dying Chapter 10 Chapter 8. Approaches and Service Delivery Models Chapter 11 Chapter 9. Expensive Treatments to Health Care is a Privilege or a Right? Part 12 Part III. Recommendations Chapter 13 Chapter 10. Recommendations