Boston.com tells of the story of another (second in two weeks) suicide in a Massachusetts State Prison. This time it was in Shirley, a medium security facility.
The man was serving a life sentence. Cuts in spending, staffing, programs, over crowding are all factors in causing these situations. The site quotes:
'“Two suicides in two weeks is compounding the tragedy,’’ said Leslie Walker, executive director of Massachusetts Correctional Legal Services. “I’m very concerned that the overcrowding and cutbacks in mental health services is creating additional stresses and resulting in preventable deaths.’’
Before recent cuts in state funding, the Department of Correction had focused on bettering its mental health programs after 15 suicides from 2005 to 2007. The number spurred the Disability Law Center to sue the Department of Correction. That suit is pending.'
The article was written by Milton Valencia who can be reached at mvalencia@globe.com.
I noticed the number on the board, from my visits to MCI Norfolk. The number is the "count." Sometimes the number 1200. I'm told that the prison was built for 1000.
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There is such darkness is prisons.The light of Christ does penetrate that darkness though and some are clinging to that light. Catholic prisoners are craving ( and asking for) spiritual food. They want the Mass and they want books and anything spiritual to read. Please help prevent more of this depression and suicide and offer eternal hope...
http//www.booksforcatholicinmates.blogspot.com
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