![\"Twin](\"https://i0.wp.com/lightinprison.sharethepractice.org/files/2021/05/1280px-Twin_Towers_Correctional_Facility.jpeg?resize=600%2C400&ssl=1\")
Check out this excellent article from the Christian Science Monitor about an innovative program being pioneered in the Los Angeles County jail system addressing mental health:
\nFrom LA jail, two inmates pioneer care for mentally ill peers
\n\nThe results are beyond the expectations of everyone, from a top assistant sheriff for the county to the mental health professionals. Self-harming is six times less, compared with other units, according to Ms. Hubbell. Discharging the incarcerated men from the forensic inpatient hospital to this program, known as Forensic Inpatient (FIP) Stepdown, has reduced returns to the hospital by 35%. Beyond the data, you can see the difference in the patients\u2019 eyes and relaxed faces, she says. Outside their cells they are uncuffed (a deputy is always present), attending group therapy, and working as a team on \u201cdouble scrub\u201d Mondays, when Mr. Armstrong and Mr. Berumen assign chores to clean the two-story pods from top to bottom.
Read the entire article here: https://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Justice/2021/0518/From-LA-jail-two-inmates-pioneer-care-for-mentally-ill-peers
\nPhoto of Twin Towers facility CC BY-SA 3.0 – Jjz3d83
\n", "content_text": "Check out this excellent article from the Christian Science Monitor about an innovative program being pioneered in the Los Angeles County jail system addressing mental health:\nFrom LA jail, two inmates pioneer care for mentally ill peers\nThe results are beyond the expectations of everyone, from a top assistant sheriff for the county to the mental health professionals. Self-harming is six times less, compared with other units, according to Ms. Hubbell. Discharging the incarcerated men from the forensic inpatient hospital to this program, known as Forensic Inpatient (FIP) Stepdown, has reduced returns to the hospital by 35%. Beyond the data, you can see the difference in the patients\u2019 eyes and relaxed faces, she says. Outside their cells they are uncuffed (a deputy is always present), attending group therapy, and working as a team on \u201cdouble scrub\u201d Mondays, when Mr. Armstrong and Mr. Berumen assign chores to clean the two-story pods from top to bottom.\nRead the entire article here: https://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Justice/2021/0518/From-LA-jail-two-inmates-pioneer-care-for-mentally-ill-peers\nPhoto of Twin Towers facility CC BY-SA 3.0 – Jjz3d83", "date_published": "2021-05-19T14:54:17-07:00", "date_modified": "2021-10-26T20:11:17-07:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Gabriel Serafini", "url": "https://lightinprison.sharethepractice.org/author/admin/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/24bddbb394eff14300a8d1b157a5407e4c7c907bc3c74f4f50f8313e8ef70c0f?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Gabriel Serafini", "url": "https://lightinprison.sharethepractice.org/author/admin/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/24bddbb394eff14300a8d1b157a5407e4c7c907bc3c74f4f50f8313e8ef70c0f?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://i0.wp.com/lightinprison.sharethepractice.org/files/2021/05/1280px-Twin_Towers_Correctional_Facility.jpeg?fit=1280%2C853&ssl=1", "tags": [ "California", "Challenges and Solutions", "News", "Prison Healthcare", "USA" ] }, { "id": "https://lightinprison.org/?p=3732", "url": "https://lightinprison.sharethepractice.org/2020/03/06/inmate-taken-off-multiple-psych-meds-after-visits-with-christian-science-chaplain-video/", "title": "Inmate taken off multiple \u201cpsych meds\u201d after visits with Christian Science Chaplain [Video]", "content_html": "\nOver 30% of all inmates in California prisons and jails are being treated for a “serious mental illness.” While the issue is largely unreported, it’s an ever-growing concern in State and county institutions.
\nIn this video, you are about to hear of an inmate who was being prescribed numerous “psych-meds” by the prison doctors. After meeting with Chaplain Angela for answers to his many questions about Christian Science–and following his own study–this man experienced an amazing transformation. You’ll want to share this story with your friends!
\nYour prayers can make a real difference. And your comments are always welcome. For those of you who have shared before, well, please share again!
\n", "content_text": "Over 30% of all inmates in California prisons and jails are being treated for a “serious mental illness.” While the issue is largely unreported, it’s an ever-growing concern in State and county institutions.\nIn this video, you are about to hear of an inmate who was being prescribed numerous “psych-meds” by the prison doctors. After meeting with Chaplain Angela for answers to his many questions about Christian Science–and following his own study–this man experienced an amazing transformation. You’ll want to share this story with your friends!\nYour prayers can make a real difference. And your comments are always welcome. For those of you who have shared before, well, please share again!", "date_published": "2020-03-06T14:17:40-08:00", "date_modified": "2023-07-10T20:03:22-07:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Light in Prison Editor", "url": "https://lightinprison.sharethepractice.org/author/lightinprisoneditor/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/465f620e81fe1afa651ab40817b86a03a072e6b155989d837f521fce962a56e0?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Light in Prison Editor", "url": "https://lightinprison.sharethepractice.org/author/lightinprisoneditor/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/465f620e81fe1afa651ab40817b86a03a072e6b155989d837f521fce962a56e0?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://i0.wp.com/lightinprison.sharethepractice.org/files/2020/03/inmate-taken-off-multiple-psych.jpg?fit=1280%2C720&ssl=1", "tags": [ "California", "Chaplain Reports", "Interviews", "Prison Healthcare", "USA", "Videos" ] }, { "id": "https://lightinprison.org/?p=3124", "url": "https://lightinprison.sharethepractice.org/2017/01/31/woman-released-from-high-security-mental-hospital-after-chaplains-visit-and-prayer/", "title": "Woman released from high security mental hospital after chaplain\u2019s visit and prayer [Video]", "content_html": "\nYou may know someone suffering from a mental health issue. Unfortunately it’s not uncommon. It’s a disease that isolates and stigmatizes people and stresses relations in families.
\nThe video you’re about to watch shows a very different method for treating mental illness.
\nIt’s a method you could call, “enlightened prayer.”
\nBriefly, the situation involves a Christian Science Chaplain by the name of John. And it also involves a female patient residing in a high security mental hospital.
\nDuring their visit the need for prayer soon becomes apparent–as you’ll see.
\nBut it’s how God quickly answers those prayers that makes this story worth watching.
\n", "content_text": "You may know someone suffering from a mental health issue. Unfortunately it’s not uncommon. It’s a disease that isolates and stigmatizes people and stresses relations in families.\nThe video you’re about to watch shows a very different method for treating mental illness.\nIt’s a method you could call, “enlightened prayer.”\nBriefly, the situation involves a Christian Science Chaplain by the name of John. And it also involves a female patient residing in a high security mental hospital.\nDuring their visit the need for prayer soon becomes apparent–as you’ll see.\nBut it’s how God quickly answers those prayers that makes this story worth watching.", "date_published": "2017-01-31T21:38:10-08:00", "date_modified": "2023-07-10T20:03:24-07:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Light in Prison Editor", "url": "https://lightinprison.sharethepractice.org/author/lightinprisoneditor/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/465f620e81fe1afa651ab40817b86a03a072e6b155989d837f521fce962a56e0?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Light in Prison Editor", "url": "https://lightinprison.sharethepractice.org/author/lightinprisoneditor/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/465f620e81fe1afa651ab40817b86a03a072e6b155989d837f521fce962a56e0?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://i0.wp.com/lightinprison.sharethepractice.org/files/2017/01/woman-released-from-high-securit.jpg?fit=1280%2C720&ssl=1", "tags": [ "California", "Interviews", "Ministry of Healing", "News", "Prison Healthcare", "USA", "Videos" ] }, { "id": "https://lightinprison.org/?p=2959", "url": "https://lightinprison.sharethepractice.org/2016/08/25/is-it-possible-for-prayer-to-heal-deafness-today-see-for-yourself-video/", "title": "Is it possible for prayer to heal deafness today? See for yourself\u2026 [Video]", "content_html": "\nWe love sharing stories that defy human logic. Especially stories that prove\u2014once again\u2014that \u201cnothing is impossible to God.\u201d
\nReady to be inspired? Then watch this amazing story, as told by Christian Science Chaplain Dave. It features a man serving time in a California State Prison who has been deaf in one ear for many years. And now isn\u2019t.
\nIn fact the doctors at the prison pronounced the man\u2019s hearing to be perfect in the once deaf ear. And the man is now happily able to join, and communicate with, the general population as a result.
\nHow could something as improbable as this happen when there is no human remedy for deafness available? In a word, prayer.
\nIn this man\u2019s case his prayers did not involve speaking words to God\u2026but rather listening deeply to God. And then hearing God. It was \u201chearing\u201d God that made all the difference. But let Chaplain Dave tell you the story. It\u2019s not very long. But it\u2019s definitely worth your time.
\nYou know we produce these video interviews with our Chaplains not only to showcase their amazing stories but to lift your spirits and inspire you too. And we fully expect these monthly videos to encourage you to turn to God and there find guidance, peace and yes, even healing.
\nWe\u2019ve also just released our second video interview in our new \u201cInterfaith Series.\u201d In this series we interview people of all different faith traditions who are ministering to people in our prisons and jails. It\u2019s our way of building bridges and opening constructive dialogue among those of differing faith traditions.
\nIn this installment we interview Walt Opie, Executive Director of the Buddhist Pathways Prison Project, Inc., headquartered in Sacramento. Buddhism is one of the world\u2019s oldest religions with much wisdom to share. Walt and his group are doing much good in the prisons. And we hope you enjoy what Walt has to share.
\nAs always we invite you to feel free to leave a comment or tell your own story. We really do love hearing from you.
\n", "content_text": "We love sharing stories that defy human logic. Especially stories that prove\u2014once again\u2014that \u201cnothing is impossible to God.\u201d\nReady to be inspired? Then watch this amazing story, as told by Christian Science Chaplain Dave. It features a man serving time in a California State Prison who has been deaf in one ear for many years. And now isn\u2019t.\nIn fact the doctors at the prison pronounced the man\u2019s hearing to be perfect in the once deaf ear. And the man is now happily able to join, and communicate with, the general population as a result.\nHow could something as improbable as this happen when there is no human remedy for deafness available? In a word, prayer.\nIn this man\u2019s case his prayers did not involve speaking words to God\u2026but rather listening deeply to God. And then hearing God. It was \u201chearing\u201d God that made all the difference. But let Chaplain Dave tell you the story. It\u2019s not very long. But it\u2019s definitely worth your time.\nYou know we produce these video interviews with our Chaplains not only to showcase their amazing stories but to lift your spirits and inspire you too. And we fully expect these monthly videos to encourage you to turn to God and there find guidance, peace and yes, even healing.\nWe\u2019ve also just released our second video interview in our new \u201cInterfaith Series.\u201d In this series we interview people of all different faith traditions who are ministering to people in our prisons and jails. It\u2019s our way of building bridges and opening constructive dialogue among those of differing faith traditions.\nIn this installment we interview Walt Opie, Executive Director of the Buddhist Pathways Prison Project, Inc., headquartered in Sacramento. Buddhism is one of the world\u2019s oldest religions with much wisdom to share. Walt and his group are doing much good in the prisons. And we hope you enjoy what Walt has to share.\nAs always we invite you to feel free to leave a comment or tell your own story. We really do love hearing from you.", "date_published": "2016-08-25T23:53:53-07:00", "date_modified": "2023-07-10T20:03:24-07:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Light in Prison Editor", "url": "https://lightinprison.sharethepractice.org/author/lightinprisoneditor/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/465f620e81fe1afa651ab40817b86a03a072e6b155989d837f521fce962a56e0?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Light in Prison Editor", "url": "https://lightinprison.sharethepractice.org/author/lightinprisoneditor/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/465f620e81fe1afa651ab40817b86a03a072e6b155989d837f521fce962a56e0?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://i0.wp.com/lightinprison.sharethepractice.org/files/2016/08/is-it-possible-for-prayer-to-hea.jpg?fit=1280%2C720&ssl=1", "tags": [ "California", "Chaplain Reports", "Inspiration from Inmates", "Interviews", "Ministry of Healing", "News", "Prison Healthcare", "USA", "Videos" ] }, { "id": "https://lightinprison.org/?p=2659", "url": "https://lightinprison.sharethepractice.org/2015/09/22/the-stanford-law-school-reported-facts-behind-our-latest-video-post-about-mental-illness-in-california-prisons/", "title": "The Stanford Law School reported facts behind our latest video post about mental illness in California prisons", "content_html": "![\"California](\"https://i0.wp.com/lightinprison.sharethepractice.org/files/2015/09/California_Mental_Health_in_Prisons.jpg?resize=569%2C323&ssl=1\")
We just published an interview with Chaplain Brian about a diagnosed and treated mentally ill inmate he had been seeing for the past 8 years. This particular inmate is\u00a0no longer being treated for mental illness after studying Christian Science in prison and working with Chaplain Brian. \u00a0There are literally tens of thousands of inmates in the system who are not so fortunate.
\nThe complete report will take a little while to read — and is hard to stomach.\u00a0 But\u00a0Stanford Law School’s “Three Strikes Project” has published an in-depth look at this problem that\u00a0describes in detail the\u00a0problems facing the system, including investigating causes and potential solutions.
\n\nWe can no longer ignore the massive oppression we are inflicting upon the mentally ill throughout the United States. Over a century ago, Dorothea Dix began a movement to improve the deplorable conditions of mentally ill prisoners. Despite her success in changing the country\u2019s perception and treatment of the mentally ill in prison, we are now right back where we started in the nineteenth century. Although deinstitutionalization was originally understood as a humane way to offer more suitable services to the mentally ill in community-based settings, some politicians seized upon it as a way to save money by shutting down institutions without providing any meaningful treatment alternatives. This callousness has created a one-way road to prison for massive numbers of impaired individuals and the inhumane warehousing of thousands of mentally ill people.
\nWe have created conditions that make criminal behavior all but inevitable for many of our brothers and sisters who are mentally ill. Instead of treating them, we are imprisoning them. And then, when they have completed their sentences, we release them with minimal or no support system in place, just counting the days until they are behind bars once again. This practice of seeking to save money on the backs of this population comes with huge moral and fiscal cost. It is ineffective because we spend far more on imprisonment of the mentally ill than we would otherwise spend on treatment and support. It is immoral because writing off another human being\u2019s life is utterly contrary to our collective values and principles.
\nThe numbers are staggering: over the past 15 years, the number of mentally ill people in prison in California has almost doubled. Today, 45 percent of state prison inmates have been treated for severe mental illness within the past year. The Los Angeles County Jail is \u201cthe largest mental health provider in the county,\u201d according to the former official in charge of the facility.
Please take the time to download and read their report (22 pages, PDF), and give this your prayerful support.
\nPDF report:\u00a0http://law.stanford.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/default/files/child-page/632655/doc/slspublic/Report_v12.pdf
\n", "content_text": "Cages for mental health group therapy treatment, Mule Creek State Prison, February 7, 2013.\nWe just published an interview with Chaplain Brian about a diagnosed and treated mentally ill inmate he had been seeing for the past 8 years. This particular inmate is\u00a0no longer being treated for mental illness after studying Christian Science in prison and working with Chaplain Brian. \u00a0There are literally tens of thousands of inmates in the system who are not so fortunate.\nThe complete report will take a little while to read — and is hard to stomach.\u00a0 But\u00a0Stanford Law School’s “Three Strikes Project” has published an in-depth look at this problem that\u00a0describes in detail the\u00a0problems facing the system, including investigating causes and potential solutions.\nWe can no longer ignore the massive oppression we are inflicting upon the mentally ill throughout the United States. Over a century ago, Dorothea Dix began a movement to improve the deplorable conditions of mentally ill prisoners. Despite her success in changing the country\u2019s perception and treatment of the mentally ill in prison, we are now right back where we started in the nineteenth century. Although deinstitutionalization was originally understood as a humane way to offer more suitable services to the mentally ill in community-based settings, some politicians seized upon it as a way to save money by shutting down institutions without providing any meaningful treatment alternatives. This callousness has created a one-way road to prison for massive numbers of impaired individuals and the inhumane warehousing of thousands of mentally ill people.\nWe have created conditions that make criminal behavior all but inevitable for many of our brothers and sisters who are mentally ill. Instead of treating them, we are imprisoning them. And then, when they have completed their sentences, we release them with minimal or no support system in place, just counting the days until they are behind bars once again. This practice of seeking to save money on the backs of this population comes with huge moral and fiscal cost. It is ineffective because we spend far more on imprisonment of the mentally ill than we would otherwise spend on treatment and support. It is immoral because writing off another human being\u2019s life is utterly contrary to our collective values and principles.\nThe numbers are staggering: over the past 15 years, the number of mentally ill people in prison in California has almost doubled. Today, 45 percent of state prison inmates have been treated for severe mental illness within the past year. The Los Angeles County Jail is \u201cthe largest mental health provider in the county,\u201d according to the former official in charge of the facility.\nPlease take the time to download and read their report (22 pages, PDF), and give this your prayerful support.\nPDF report:\u00a0http://law.stanford.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/default/files/child-page/632655/doc/slspublic/Report_v12.pdf", "date_published": "2015-09-22T10:54:04-07:00", "date_modified": "2015-10-09T14:52:10-07:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Gabriel Serafini", "url": "https://lightinprison.sharethepractice.org/author/admin/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/24bddbb394eff14300a8d1b157a5407e4c7c907bc3c74f4f50f8313e8ef70c0f?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Gabriel Serafini", "url": "https://lightinprison.sharethepractice.org/author/admin/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/24bddbb394eff14300a8d1b157a5407e4c7c907bc3c74f4f50f8313e8ef70c0f?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://i0.wp.com/lightinprison.sharethepractice.org/files/2015/09/California_Mental_Health_in_Prisons.jpg?fit=1798%2C1020&ssl=1", "tags": [ "News", "Prayer Alerts", "Prison Healthcare", "Prison Research" ] }, { "id": "https://lightinprison.org/?p=96", "url": "https://lightinprison.sharethepractice.org/2013/07/07/prayer-alert-major-health-issues-among-californias-inmates/", "title": "Major health issues among California\u2019s inmates", "content_html": "Our prison population, is comprised of a disproportionate number of minorities and low-income Americans \u2014 37 percent of whom\u00a0have chronic diseases, 65 to 80 percent of whom have struggled with substance abuse, and 13 percent of whom suffer from severe mental illness. With state cuts to mental health funding and California\u2019s bursting prison population, prisons have also\u00a0turned into de facto asylums, perpetuating cycles of mental illness and poverty in minority populations. This is a crisis.
\nShare insights about how you\u2019re praying:
\n", "content_text": "Our prison population, is comprised of a disproportionate number of minorities and low-income Americans \u2014 37 percent of whom\u00a0have chronic diseases, 65 to 80 percent of whom have struggled with substance abuse, and 13 percent of whom suffer from severe mental illness. With state cuts to mental health funding and California\u2019s bursting prison population, prisons have also\u00a0turned into de facto asylums, perpetuating cycles of mental illness and poverty in minority populations. This is a crisis.\nShare insights about how you\u2019re praying:", "date_published": "2013-07-07T19:16:29-07:00", "date_modified": "2023-07-10T20:03:26-07:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Light in Prison Editor", "url": "https://lightinprison.sharethepractice.org/author/lightinprisoneditor/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/465f620e81fe1afa651ab40817b86a03a072e6b155989d837f521fce962a56e0?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Light in Prison Editor", "url": "https://lightinprison.sharethepractice.org/author/lightinprisoneditor/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/465f620e81fe1afa651ab40817b86a03a072e6b155989d837f521fce962a56e0?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "California", "News", "Prayer Alerts", "Prison Healthcare", "USA" ] } ] }