KLRU
Distribute Condoms in Prisons
RECEIVED Thu., Nov. 9, 2006
Dear Editor,
In correctional facilities in the state of Texas, there are more than 2,500 known cases of HIV, and Texas has the third highest number of inmates known to be infected with the disease. One report indicated that HIV infection in Texas prisoners is 1.7%, which is 10 times the rate of the general population. I know that many people like to think that inmates do not engage in sexual activity, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that at least 12% of inmates received their diagnosis of HIV while incarcerated. Furthermore, a CDC study of HIV transmission in the Georgia prison system showed that 44% of inmates had sexual contact while in prison.
Also of concern is the $14.7 million the prison system used for HIV antiretroviral medication in 2002. It’s a well-known fact that the consistent use of condoms can reduce the risk of STD transmission, and the CDC and the National Commission on Correctional Health Care both recommend the implementation of harm-reduction techniques, such as condom distribution in the prison system. I’m writing this letter to encourage members of the public to attend the Nov. 14 and 15 public hearings regarding the Sunset Commission’s report on the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and to voice your support for the distribution of condoms in the Texas prison system.
In correctional facilities in the state of Texas, there are more than 2,500 known cases of HIV, and Texas has the third highest number of inmates known to be infected with the disease. One report indicated that HIV infection in Texas prisoners is 1.7%, which is 10 times the rate of the general population. I know that many people like to think that inmates do not engage in sexual activity, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that at least 12% of inmates received their diagnosis of HIV while incarcerated. Furthermore, a CDC study of HIV transmission in the Georgia prison system showed that 44% of inmates had sexual contact while in prison.
Also of concern is the $14.7 million the prison system used for HIV antiretroviral medication in 2002. It’s a well-known fact that the consistent use of condoms can reduce the risk of STD transmission, and the CDC and the National Commission on Correctional Health Care both recommend the implementation of harm-reduction techniques, such as condom distribution in the prison system. I’m writing this letter to encourage members of the public to attend the Nov. 14 and 15 public hearings regarding the Sunset Commission’s report on the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and to voice your support for the distribution of condoms in the Texas prison system.
Chris Mobley
