Suicide is a Major Issue for Inmates
Suicide is a major issue for inmates in the United States. According to the Department of Justice, suicide is the second leading cause of death for inmates. Inmates have been identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as being at especially high risk for suicide. From 2013 to 2018, the suicide rate among federal inmates doubled. There is a clear epidemic of suicide in our jails. But it is preventable. While suicides can be unpredictable, suicide prevention programs can prevent suicide if properly implemented.
Suicide rates will only go down when prevention programs are implemented. These programs include providing sufficient mental health care and identifying events that have negative effects on an inmate's mental health. These mental health programs are effective and can be reasonably implemented. So why don't jails include them? Despite knowing the seriousness of the suicide epidemic in jails, most jails in the United States have continued to ignore the issue. Jails fail to monitor their inmates or implement suicide prevention programs, often due to a lack of funding. These programs are not seen as a valuable use of money.
Inmate suicides are not inevitable but, instead, are very preventable. If jails would invest in mental health programs, lives would be saved. The risk of suicide should never be part of an inmate's punishment. Jails should not let suicides happen when they could be easily prevented.
If you or a loved one have been affected by jail medical neglect, contact the Law Offices
of Don Tittle, PLLC today at (214) 522-8400 or complete our online contact form.
The content of this blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship.
Don Tittle
Attorney & Founder
For 35 years, Don Tittle has achieved high-profile, decisive victories in Texas courts, excelling in criminal defense, civil rights litigation, and complex wrongful death and personal injury cases. His law practice now frequently focuses (often concentrates) on cases of abuse and neglect by private jail companies, fighting for justice on behalf of vulnerable individuals.
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