Health Behind Bars — How the U.S. Could Improve Care for Incarcerated People

The Dose

Access to health care is a constitutional right for the 2 million Americans in our criminal justice system. For some of those incarcerated – overwhelmingly people with low income and people of color – the first time they receive care is behind bars.

But when individuals transition back into their communities, this care often vanishes.

On the latest episode of The Dose, Emily Wang, M.D., director of the SEICHE Center for Health and Justice at Yale University, explains why we need to ensure continuity of care for people cycling in and out of the criminal justice system.

The first few weeks after release are critical, she says. “You want people to return home to reintegrate… to reestablish a life, get a house, get a job, contribute meaningfully as a member of our community.”