SWRK 230: A Brief Note On HIV And AIDS In Prison

Leah Whitney SWRK 230: AIDS Social Perspective Prof. Ricardo Salcido May 13, 2024

Introduction: My project focused on HIV and AIDS in prison and how it affects those incarcerated. Overall, inmates are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS, especially those who don’t practice safe sexuality, rape victims and minorities. Additionally, southern state prisons have significantly higher numbers of cases compared to northern states. Based on my research, I would argue that the reason for the disproportionate cases is due to the stigma surrounding not only HIV and AIDS, but also surrounding prisoners. Society sees them as less than human since when they enter the prison system, many of their human rights are stripped away. Additionally, HIV and

Although I curated the solutions, they are based on what has been researched and implemented by other organizations to keep cases down. The information is all gathered in one place and although it is very general, it is a good starting place to begin making changes. Eligible voters can benefit by learning more about not only HIV and AIDS but also our prison system, which can make them more educated voters and can help them work toward the change they want to see in the world. Activities Out of the entire presentation, the largest reaction I received from the participants was when showing the current prevalence rate of HIV in the U.S. and in U.S. prisons. The numbers read “the prevalence rate of HIV in the U.S. in 2019 was 380 per 100,000 people, while the total U.S. prison population faces a rate that is more than 3 times as high: 1,144 per 100,000 people in prison had HIV in 2021” (Widra 2023). This graph caused multiple expression changes and a few “wows” as well. HIV and AIDS is already not a frequent topic of discussion, let alone how it affects prisoners. This fact definitely opened the viewers eyes and prepared them for what was in store for the rest of the

The prisoner's barrier to accessing proper healthcare is one that is not easy to break down, especially without any help. Social workers can advocate for proper healthcare access as well as implement harm reduction programs like education on safe sexual and substance abuse treatment to help reduce transmission and make the prisoners feel heard. Sexually related and HIV and AIDS education can also help reduce stigma and discrimination. This will ensure no one is treated poorly based on their status and also encourage people to come forward when facing HIV related issues, rather than hiding and pretending it doesn’t affect them, which only makes transmission worse. Lastly, social work can also make a huge difference in an inmate's reentry into society and their community by providing support. They can connect them with healthcare services that they can afford and will not discriminate against, as well as help with a housing and employment search. These little acts of support can make a world of difference in the quality of life of prisoners in and out of their