Approaching the HIV Epidemic and COVID-19 Pandemic with Incarcerated People

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light structural inequalities that disproportionately affect marginalized populations, especially those targeted by America’s mass incarceration system. There are several parallels between the responses to public health issues that stem from the COVID-19 pandemic and HIV/AIDS epidemic in mass incarceration facilities. Our system of mass incarceration must be reformed to properly address not only the current pandemics across the nation, but also future impending health crises. This kind of reform involves addressing the social and structural determinants of health both inside and outside of correctional facilities. This post was originally published on the Cardozo Journal of Equal Rights and Social Justice website on October 18, 2021. The original post can be accessed via the Archived Link button above