NCJ Number
117736
Journal
Journal of Prison and Jail Health Volume: 7 Issue: 2 Dated: (Fall/Winter 1988) Pages: 76-79
Date Published
1988
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in prison is a critical issue for many prisoners, corrections staff, and health care professionals.
Abstract
The response of correctional systems has been to test, segregate, and discriminate, with education only a half-hearted afterthought. The idea of establishing support groups of Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive persons, AIDS, and ARC prisoners is radical and innovative, but problematical. HIV positive persons need to be maintained in general prison populations to prevent discrimination and stigmatization of HIV infected prisoners. Segregation in prison leads to serious breaches of confidentiality and the prisoner's right to privacy. Support groups for HIV positive persons and those with AIDS are needed. Prisoners as well as correctional staff must be kept informed and educated about AIDS. Staff education should stress the importance of confidentiality. A model for HIV positive support groups based on correctional institutions that mainstream these prisoners is needed to foster an enlightened attitude toward AIDS and equal treatment of HIV positive prisoners.