Appendix D

Statement of Task

STATEMENT OF TASK

An ad hoc committee will plan and conduct a 1-day public workshop on the effects of incarceration on people and communities of color. The committee will define the specific topics to be discussed, develop the agenda, suggest invited speakers, and moderate workshop discussions. Workshop topics may include mental health and substance use disorders associated with incarceration, the lower life expectancy relating to incarceration in communities of color, and the effect on communities of large numbers of residents being imprisoned. Special populations to consider may be the older incarcerated population, female inmates, youth involved in the juvenile justice system, and the family members of the incarcerated and formerly incarcerated. Continuity of care across institutions, from jail or prison to release into the community, may also be addressed.

An individually authored proceedings of the presentations and discussions at the workshop will be prepared by a designated rapporteur in accordance with institutional guidelines.

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION

It is well known that incarceration rates, particularly for certain sub-populations such as African American men, have dramatically increased over the past several decades. This increase in the number of individuals incarcerated has had a major effect on health care costs and outcomes, especially in communities of color. In particular, jail and prison popula-

tions have high rates of chronic illness, mental health issues, and substance use issues.

The Roundtable on the Promotion of Health Equity will host a 1-day workshop about how experience in jail or prison affects health outcomes for both individuals of color and communities of color. The intent is to build on the previous work of the Committee on Law and Justice regarding health and incarceration. This workshop may include mental health and substance use disorders associated with incarceration, the lower life expectancy relating to incarceration in communities of color, and the effect on communities of large numbers of residents being imprisoned.

Audiences will include members of the roundtable, members of the Committee on Law and Justice, staff from federal agencies, criminal justice system professionals, staff from philanthropic organizations, and members of the interested public.