Public Health Research Working to Break the "Cradle to Prison" Pipeline
Henrie Treadwell, PhD, National Center for Primary Care, Morehouse School of Medicine
"Suicides and homicides have increased for teenage African-American males, and the residual effect is impacting communities across America. This problem must be addressed, or we risk not being able to address the "cradle to prison" pipeline."
Henrie Treadwell, PhD, is a researcher who studies the issue of prisoner health. Rather than a microscope lens, she looks at this issue through the lens of economics, health care and human rights. "Many people are afraid to talk about this, for fear of being seen as soft on crime. This has nothing to do with being soft on crime. Lack of access to health care, especially for mental health issues, sets the stage for a troubled, perilous life, driving many into prison in the first place. These issues generally worsen during incarceration due to the lack of quality health care. Then these individuals are released, they have no insurance and at best, limited access to proper health care to help them get back on their feet. Thus, many find themselves back where they started - prison."
With a research-based approach instead of a policy approach, Treadwell and her colleagues are working to open a national conversation around this issue. Their advocacy has spread as more are beginning to understand the negative financial and health consequences as a result of ignoring this issue. "This is not a race issue or part of a socially liberal agenda. This is a health issue, something that every person deserves, and it addresses the inappropriate use of taxpayer money, and the economic burden every American bears from a health care system that does not adequately recognize and serve the needs of all people."
Treadwell has also been very involved in health services research of teenage African-American males. Her and others research has resulted in the report "The Secret Epidemic: Exploring the Mental Health Crisis Affecting Adolescent African-American Males," which speaks to the rising mental and behavioral health problems and the dramatically increasing rates of suicide and depression. The report advocates for the urgent need for new treatment strategies, better access to treatment facilities, including mental health systems that are culturally and numerically competent. "Our research found that many young black males would benefit from treatment, but they are undiagnosed because of failures in America's health care system. Our entire society feels the impact of this failure. Suicides and homicides have increased for this group, and the residual effect is impacting communities across the country. This problem must be addressed, or we risk not being able to address the ‘cradle to prison' pipeline (a term coined by the Children's Defense Fund)."
"The public health system is the bedrock of a fully functional economic system and democracy. Without appropriate action and investment in public health, we are risking not only individual's futures, but the futures of our communities and our nation.
All human life is valuable, and the way we must value it is by investing in public health research to be sure each life is a healthy life and a fulfilled life. All humans can contribute at equivalent levels if given the opportunity."