Week in Review: May 3, 2024

May 3, 2024

In this Week in Review for May 3, 2024, CMF celebrates Bring Your Daughters and Sons to Work Day, High Desert State Prison donates over $1,400 to Lassen High School, and ‘Transformative’: More college programs are coming into prisons.

Observances

National Mental Health Awareness Month

May is National Mental Health Awareness Month, which aims to raise awareness of, and de-stigmatize, mental health conditions, advocate for mental health policies, and communicate that mental health is essential to our physical and emotional wellbeing.

Historically, many cultures have regarded mental health as a matter to be kept private or even shunned. Individuals with mental health issues were often dismissed or ignored. As one might imagine, this has perpetuated negative generational perceptions, continuing to inflict undue harm.

In recent decades, efforts to shine a bright light on mental health and to deepen understanding of these concerns have significantly shifted societal perceptions. By bringing mental health out of the shadows, these same cultures can now access targeted support and resources that have the potential to mitigate the generational impact of unchecked mental health issues.

Now and always, we hope you take time to reflect, care for yourself and others, and understand the resources available to support mental health in our community and worldwide.

Submission by GARE Ambassador Cameron Byrd

To encourage employees to expand their knowledge and gain new experiences, CDCR/CCHCS GARE Ambassadors are sharing celebrations and observances throughout the year. To learn more about the diversity, equity and inclusion efforts visit the GARE website.

Upward Mobility

Brittany Brizendine, Psy.D., has been assigned as Deputy Director of Institution Operations for California Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS).

In the Community

CMF celebrates Bring Your Daughters and Sons to Work Day

California Medical Facility recently celebrated Bring Your Daughters and Sons to Work Day. The event started in visiting with snacks, food, and activities. The rest of the day was spent at Al Patch Park. CMF’s Crisis Response Team put together an obstacle course for the kids.

There was a mock cell set up as well as a display of the tactical equipment used in CDCR. Fire departments from Travis Air Force Base and CSP-Solano attended the event and put together mini fire stations for the kids to partake in activities.

OVSRS students visit Yolo County’s District Attorney’s office

Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services (OVSRS) Student Assistants Kelly Ho and Melissa Perez attended a day to shadow victim advocates with the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office.

Both students learned from this experience and provided a greater appreciation for the work advocates do to help victims navigate through the system daily.

These opportunities break down barriers between law enforcement agencies and encourages education and cross-communication with a wrap-around community mission.

In Our Institutions

High Desert State Prison donates over $1,400 to Lassen High School

High Desert State Prison’s (HDSP) incarcerated population and staff held a food sales fundraiser to donate over $1,400 to Lassen Union High School’s (LHS) Sober graduation committee.

HDPS’s donation will help sponsor this year’s sober graduation for the graduating senior class. The sober grad committee is planning a fun and supervised celebration for all LHS seniors.

HDSP incarcerated population and staff said they are proud to help raise funds to assist this program.

The funds will assist in providing graduation gifts, prizes, food, and decorations for the event.

Tattoo removal at MCSP

Ink Doctors tattoo removal recently visited Mule Creek State Prison for the sixth time.

Participation in the Tattoo Removal Program at Mule Creek State Prison is voluntary. Incarcerated individuals who choose to participate want to distance themselves from gang affiliations, reduce stigma associated with visible tattoos, and improve their prospects for reintegration into society.

“I’m getting rid of tattoos that don’t mean anything to me anymore,” said one participant.

The program often involves multiple sessions over a period of time, during which trained professionals use laser technology to gradually fade or remove the tattoos. Overall participation in the program reflects commitment to personal growth, rehabilitation, and a desire for a fresh start.

In the Media

California prison firefighters help save 10-year-old’s life

Two incarcerated firefighters are being credited with helping save the life of a 10-year-old boy, according to CDCR.

The incident unfolded with a 911 call on Feb. 17. The Chuckawalla Valley State Prison/Ironwood State Prison Fire Station, which assists surrounding areas, responded to the emergency, CDCR said. Reports indicated a cardiac arrest on Interstate 10, prompting a response from prison Fire Engine 7618.

Fire Chief Richard Selph, along with incarcerated firefighters Antonio Alonso and Leopoldo Leon, were aboard the engine. According to CDCR, they arrived to find a 10-year-old in severe distress.

Visit Corrections 1’s website to read the full article.

‘Transformative’: More college programs are slowly coming into prisons

When the U.S. Department of Education announced last summer that federal Pell Grants would become available to incarcerated college students, lawmakers and state corrections agencies scrambled to adjust statutes and step up potential partnerships with universities.

But nearly a year later, colleges and agencies are recognizing the steep administrative challenge to winning approval from the U.S. Department of Education. So far, just one new program eligible for the federal financial aid grant — in California — has gotten off the ground.

Visit Stateline’s website to read the full article.