Free to be creative: Promoting mental health among incarcerated populations

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.