Henry, Clare

Title:
Mass Incarceration: Causes, Impacts, and a Need for Change

Abstract:
Inaccessible mental health care and the criminalization of drug use has led to the over
punishment of mental illness unequally impacting people of color and individuals of lower
income. The current system of punishment related to drug use has resulted in drastic health
disparities for communities of color and the mentally ill. Evidence supporting the Penrose effect
and dual diagnoses indicate people with cooccurring mental illnesses and substance use disorders
are at increased risk of incarceration due to a lack of care. The criminalization of drugs following
widespread deinstitutionalization exacerbated this relationship and led to increased incarceration
rates nationwide. The high rates of incarceration nationwide resulting from inaccessible care and
harsh criminalization of drug use have long term health consequences for individuals, families,
and communities. It is critical that public health approaches are in place to increase access to
mental healthcare and ensure the care received is effective.