1A Remaking America: What's Being Done About The Rise In Jail Deaths?

Throughout this episode, we discuss suicide which may be distressing to some listeners and may not be suitable for young listeners. If you or anyone you know needs to talk to someone, you can call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.Millions of people enter jail in the U.S. every year. Carceral centers have become a revolving door for those with mental health issues or substance-abuse disorders.The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that inmates are entitled to life-saving medical care, but that isn't quite guaranteed.Jail deaths rose 11 percent since 2000 when the U.S. Department of Justice began tallying these deaths. Suicides are the leading cause of jail deaths. Fatal drug overdoses are the fastest growing cause of death.We look at why jail can be so harmful. And we talk about what mental health and substance abuse resources are available to inmates.This show is part of 1A's "Remaking America" project. We begin the program by looking at a string of recent jail deaths in Louisville, Kentucky, with help from our partner station WFPL.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.