According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), 14% of individuals incarcerated at state and federal prisons and 26% of individuals in jails meet the threshold for serious psychological distress (SPD). This is 3 to 5 times higher than the general population, which is 5%. This matter is more concerning than just mere statistics. People in our communities – friends, family members, neighbors – are experiencing serious mental health issues for which they may not be getting the support they need. Instead, they are being incarcerated where that support is less likely, and Black people, Indigenous people, and people of color (BIPOC) are disproportionality affected. The Elk Place Health Spot in partnership with the Empowering Change Task Force is presenting a webinar on Mental Health and Criminal Justice to explore this connection, its impact on our communities, and what can be done to support those experiencing mental health crises. The online event on October 27, 2020 from 11 am to 12:30 pm will include presentations from mental health practitioners, criminal justice experts, and advocates.

This event is free and open to the public. Please click here to register in advance.

Event presenters include:

• Honorable Kern A. Reese, judge for Orleans Parish Civil District Court
• Dr. Serena Chaudhry, LCSW, Individual Psychotherapist for EPIC-NOLA, Tulane's early psychosis intervention program
• Ginger Parsons, LCSW, Supervising Social Worker for the Orleans Parish Public Defenders Office
• Dr. Sarah DeLand, Forensic Psychiatry Specialist for Tulane Behavioral Health Clinic and Assistant Professor at Tulane School of Medicine