NCJ Number
100080
Journal
Corrections Dated: (December 1983) Pages: 68,82,84
Date Published
1983
Length
3 pages
Annotation
After discussing the implications of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) for correctional management, a team approach to educating staff and inmates about the problem is described.
Abstract
In New York, which houses approximately 31,000 inmates, 40 cases of AIDS have been diagnosed. Because of the long incubation period, these inmates were already infected before incarceration. Further, inmates who have not been intravenous drug users and do not engage in homosexual activity have no greater risk for developing AIDS than does the general public. The Westchester County Corrections Department houses and treats State inmates with severe medical problems. To prevent possible staff and inmate over-reaction to AIDS, input was solicited from the correctional medical staff, the County Health Department, other agencies, and eventually the inmates themselves. AIDS seminars were implemented on an ongoing basis. Protective suits for correctional officers were developed for use in restraint situations with AIDS patients. In addition, officers received daily briefings on the medical status of all inmate patients. An AIDS Task Force was established, and videotaped AIDS seminars were developed to provide information for staff and inmates. Finally, a uniform procedure was developed for the handling of inmates suspected of having infectious hepatitis or AIDS. This approach has been successful in diffusing staff and inmate anxiety about this serious medical problem. Considerations in implementing a similar program are listed. 2 footnotes.