This episode explores the alarming issue of starvation and dehydration among mentally ill individuals incarcerated in county jails across the United States. Against the backdrop of the deinstitutionalization movement and the subsequent rise of mass incarceration, the interview reveals a pattern of neglect and inadequate healthcare within these facilities. More significantly, the privatization of healthcare in correctional institutions is highlighted as a contributing factor, with contracts often incentivizing cost-cutting measures that compromise the well-being of inmates. For instance, the case of Mary Faith Casey, who died of protein-calorie malnutrition after a four-month stay in jail, exemplifies the severity of the problem. The discussion further delves into the challenges of record-keeping and the difficulties in obtaining accurate data on jail deaths, often misclassified as "natural causes." In contrast, the case of Mark Moreno, an 18-year-old who died of dehydration after being arrested for minor traffic violations, underscores the criminalization of mental illness. Ultimately, the interview emphasizes the urgent need for systemic change, including improved mental healthcare access in communities and alternatives to cash bail, to prevent further preventable deaths in jails.
