Mass Incarceration is a Public Health Issue

Mass incarceration, rarely discussed in our field, directly impacts all public health issues. This presentation sheds light on its effects on communities. Grounded in principles of abolition, we critically analyze the history of mass incarceration in the US, exposing its roots in oppression and the criminalization of our communities.

Exploring the intersection of mass incarceration and public health, the presentation emphasizes the field's insufficient research, policy, and practice in this area, which produces consequences beyond prison walls. The speakers will delve into how incarceration exacerbates and drives health disparities, leading to worse physical and mental health outcomes, especially for American Indian, Black, people of color and other marginalized communities.

The presentation concludes with reflective questions for the audience to envision a public health system that actively promotes equity and contributes to the abolition of the prison industrial complex.

Speaker bios:

Sonja Mydels (she/her), Sebrum Herron (he/him), and Mackenzie Farrington (she/her) are recent graduates of the Community Health Promotion MPH program at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health. 

• Sonja minored in health equity and public policy during her MPH and is currently working as a graduate student evaluator at the Minnesota Department of Health.
• Sebrum is currently working as a graduate assistant with the Epidemiology and Community Health Division DEI Action Committee.
• Mackenzie is also a dual degree student who just received her MSW with a Community Practice concentration. She is a graduate research assistant with the Institute on Community Integration and just completed her social work practicum and public health applied practice with Jewish Community Action and the Decriminalizing Communities Coalition.

Questions about this event?
Please contact the MPHA Membership Committee at membership@mpha.net.