Disparities in Mental Health Diagnosis and Treatment Among African Americans: Implications for the Correctional Systems

Substance Use Among Gang Member Adolescents and Young Adults and Associations With Friends and Family Substance Use

“…Very few studies, though, have sought to examine these issues among gang youth (Sanders et al, 2013;Sanders, in press). Latino Americans and African Americans are generally less likely to be screened or treated properly for a variety of mental health-related issues (Alegria et al, 2007;Lawson & Lawson, 2013;Vega & Lopez, 2001). The justice systems also often fail to screen individuals for potential conduct disorders or other similar conditions, contributing to recidivism and re-incarceration (Baillargeon, Binswanger, Penn, Williams, & Murray, 2009;Olley, Nicholls, & Brink, 2009).…”

Miles to Go

“…Even with the continuing limitations in data availability and greater need for conscious curricula, research exploring the impact of incarceration on health outcomes has increased recently (Turney & Wildeman, 2013; Wildeman, Lee, & Comfort, 2013; Wildeman & Muller, 2012; Wildeman, Schnittker, & Turney, 2012). Most recently, public health literature has experienced rejuvenation in exploring the impact incarceration has on family disruption (Graham & Harris, 2013; Lee, Porter, & Comfort, 2014; Turney, 2013), mental health concerns among prisoners and those connected to incarcerated persons (Lawson & Lawson, 2013; Lee, Fang, & Luo, 2013; Murray, Farrington, & Sekol, 2012; Turney, Lee, & Comfort, 2013; Turney, Wildeman, & Schnittker, 2012), and the effects of incarceration on children of those incarcerated among a myriad of other issues (D’Andrade & Valdez, 2012; Kjellstrand & Eddy, 2011; Wakefield & Wildeman, 2011, 2014). A common theme within this body of research centers on the historical reality that men, particularly men of color, are often disproportionately affected by incarceration, jeopardizing their health.…”