The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #56959

Doneley Meris, MA and Doneley Meris, MA. Center CARE, Mental Health and Social Services Department, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center; HIV Arts Network, 208 West 13th Street, New York, NY 10011, 212-620-7310, doneley@gaycenter.org

Through a series of "loss and wellness" interactive workshops conducted at a designated HIV/AIDS unit in a correctional male facility in the East Coast, nineteen (19) bisexual and heterosexual-identified men were provided a safe forum to share and focus their ongoing weekly dialogue on their mental health concerns. Identifying common experiences with depression, isolation, suicidal thoughts, feelings of hopelessness, attention deficit disorder, and preoccupation with mortality; these men articulated their desperate need for more intensive individual counseling and representation within the criminal justice system for ongoing quality mental health services.

This presentation will encourage participants to acknowledge the mental health issues faced by these men and strategize on how best to incorporate their humane, life-affirming, dignity reformation and wellness outcry. Current mental health delivery systems within correctional facilities require re-examination to include the plight of rhis disenfranchised population.

Learning Objectives:

• To identify the mental health issues faced by HIV-positive men within correctional facilities that are not now incorporated in current mental health service delivery systems.
• To provide a framework for mental health and public health practitioners to acknowledge the specific mental health concerns of incarcerated HIV-positive men and begin to assess and include in their HIV/AIDS care these often neglected mental health needs.
• To provide supportive strategies and inclusive innovative service interventions that can need the mental health challenges of HIV-positive men while they serve time in correctional facilities.

Keywords: Mental Health System,

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: 1) Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center 2) HIV Arts Network
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: 1) Employment 2) Volunteer - Administration and Service Delivery