California State Prison, Corcoran, held their first Mental Health Awareness Day with staff, recreational therapists, and the population.
Recreational therapists worked with the several different groups of incarcerated persons to create a day of activities for Facility 3B on Jan. 9. These activities included dodgeball, basketball, cornhole, and talent competitions.
“It was a reminder that at the end of the day we are all just people.”
Incarcerated participant, CSP-Corcoran first Mental Health Awareness Day
Mental health staff were joined by various ranks of custody staff who provided supervision, officiated, and even participated in the events.
“It was nice to see officers playing (the games) beside us,” said one incarcerated participant. “It was a reminder that at the end of the day we are all just people.”
Another participant was grateful for staff’s support.
“Watching staff cheering us on shed a different light on how we felt we were viewed by them,” he said.
Prizes, donated by mental health care staff, included healthy snacks.
According to organizers, it was a day of good times and positive thoughts.
Written by Correctional Officer D. Hicks
Submitted by Lt. Justin McIntyre
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