October isn’t just about fall weather. It’s also a month dedicated to raising awareness about mental health education and depression. It is officially recognized as “National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month.” Mental health has become a crucial topic in society, with celebrities from various fields advocating for it. Companies are also taking note of this and offering benefits such as mental health days, four-day workweeks, and counseling apps, among others.
While these benefits are certainly an improvement and a step in the right direction, they unfortunately only benefit a select few.
My experiences volunteering in prisons and the research I have conducted in recent years have made me more aware of the challenges faced by justice-involved individuals in all areas of their lives, particularly regarding mental health. According to a Bureau of Justice Statistics report, incarcerated women are diagnosed with mental illnesses at higher rates (73%) than incarcerated men (55%) in state prisons and (75%) vs (63%) in local jails.
While women in prison or jail may receive mental health care, they often face significant challenges accessing adequate healthcare once released, including financial barriers. Furthermore, housing issues frequently lead to homelessness, which exacerbates the problem. According to the Council of State Governments, more than 10% of people returning from prisons and jails are homeless in the months before and after their incarceration. This suggests housing is the most significant need for people who face life after incarceration.
Through volunteering and research, I have learned that providing reentry resources is crucial to reducing recidivism. That is why I established The Jordan Reentry Cooperative (TJRC), which aims to offer much-needed support to those transitioning back into society. I am thrilled to announce that on Friday, October 27th, I am scheduled to close on the first of many properties that will serve as a place for transitioning to a better life for the people I serve. This accomplishment fills me with pride and excitement, as it allows me to provide valuable solutions to the problems that exist in society.
I am grateful to the WISER Community for providing a space to share my thoughts about the challenges and solutions for those incarcerated or transitioning back to society.
Each of us has experienced ups and downs.
I encourage you to take mental health screening before the end of Halloween night.
Take Care,
