Editorial: Neglect Is Abuse
(News & Observer)
November 17, 2011
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA– [Excerpt provided by Inclusion Daily Express] Someone needs to be called to account for the disgraceful way in which the state of North Carolina cares for, or doesn't care for, prisoners with mental illness. An internal review, conducted by two prison system nurses, of Central Prison's mental health unit cited some shocking conditions.
They include some prisoners kept in "therapeutic seclusion" in cells without being allowed to come out for meals or recreation time and in highly unsanitary conditions. Such isolation, or solitary confinement, is considered dangerous for those who suffer from paranoia and other mental disorders. Their conditions can worsen in such circumstances.
An additional problem noted in the report was that in one case, an order to let an inmate into the day room apparently was ignored, meaning he spent 78 days in his cell.
And the living conditions in terms of filth were appalling, with a stench of urine (according to the report) and just generally unsafe conditions.
This is not acceptable.
Entire editorial:
Neglect is abuse
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