Confronting HIV and Mass Imprisonment- PROJECT UNSHACKLE website launched!
Fri, 06/27/2008 - 5:57pm - James Learned

Project UNSHACKLE is a groundbreaking effort to link across movements to develop and launch campaigns at the intersection of HIV/AIDS and mass imprisonment in the United States. Project UNSHACKLE (Uniting a Network on Sentencing and HIV/AIDS with Community Knowledge Leading our Efforts) is made up of formerly incarcerated people, grassroots leaders, researchers, HIV policy advocates, prison reform and social justice organizers, coalition-building veterans and other allies working together to bridge the nexus between HIV and mass imprisonment.

Did you know that?
  • At any given time, about 25% of all people with HIV in the United States are under the control of the criminal justice system.
  • 1 in 100 people in the United States – more than 2.3 million people – are locked behind bars.
  • Nearly half of all prisoners are people of African descent, and more than two-thirds of the total prison population are people of color.
  • Women are the fastest rising group to be imprisoned, and the rates of HIV in imprisoned women are even higher than in men.
These statistics reflect – or perhaps contribute to – the disparities in HIV infection rates in this country. As such, confronting the nexus between HIV and mass imprisonment is critical to anyone interested in a comprehensive HIV prevention strategy.
The Project UNSHACKLE page contains information about our collaborative efforts building on and expanding existing networks for HIV prevention justice in and about the criminal justice system. You'll find thought-provoking think-pieces and a bibliography created by participants from our recent strategic planning meeting as well as links to fantastic allied organizations currently engaged in advocacy work in and about the criminal justice system. Soon to come is our online toolkit so check it out and get involved!

Find out more about Project UNSHACKLE at www.champnetwork.org/unshackle.

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