California Health Professional Student Alliance (CaHPSA)

There is a strong need for legislative change to better the mental health needs of incarcerated individuals. Through a comprehensive approach, we can address these needs while decreasing the rising rates of recidivism; the tendency for previously incarcerated individuals to reoffend. Through the addition of supportive staff certified to enroll others in health insurance present within prison systems, at the time of release, exonerated individuals can be enrolled in health insurance. This ensures consistent and appropriate access to mental health support after release. This can have implications in the socioeconomic status of these individuals, increasing food job security, housing, and heightening the likelihood of continued education. Together, this solution can promote successful reentry into the community.