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Abstract #155684

Carlos E. Rodriguez-Diaz, PhDc, MPH, CCHP and Begoņa Rivera-Alonso, PsyD, CCHP. Correctional Health Services Corporation, Calle 1, Lote 18, Suite 400, Metro Office Park, Guaynabo, PR 00968, 787-774-3344, carodriguez@chsc-pr.org

Mental illnesses and substance abuse disorders are the most prevalent conditions among inmates in the Puerto Rican Correctional System. Innovative policies and practices has been implemented and evaluated during the last two decades to incorporate artistic expressions as a vehicle to maintain and improve physical and mental health. Several studies suggest that creative activities have positive health benefits. The inclusion of these expressions aims to strengthen the mental and emotional wellbeing of individuals and communities. Art as a health promotion strategy in correctional facilities enables inmates to take care of their health needs by helping to eliminate the traditional stigmas associated with mental health services and provides an additional mechanism to deliver prevention messages in non-traditional settings.

Following previous experiences of incorporating art into health education and health promotion interventions, artistic renderings were incorporated as part of a health promotion project oriented to inmates. Participants from all the correctional institutions in Puerto Rico, accompanied by health educators and other health professionals, participated in at least three structured interventions where they discussed creative ways to express health messages while developed skills to artistically express their feelings and ideas on mental health related issues. More than 500 inmates have participated during the course of this project. Of those, 176 developed messages and drawing promoting mental health. Participants have been able to use their creativity to express health related messages and promote well being among their peers and community members. This project has improved access to care by reducing barriers determinant of health.

Learning Objectives: Participant will be able to

• Analyze an innovative approach to promote health in correctional facilities.
• Discuss the incorporation of artistic expressions and creative activities as effective methods when planning mental health promotion interventions among inmates.
• Replicate similar interventions in their settings.
• Discuss implications for efficacy testing of this intervention.

Keywords: Inmates, Health Promotion

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No
Any institutionally-contracted trials related to this submission?

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.