In this article, a long-time expert on HIV in corrections and a vice-president at government and business consulting firm Abt Associates elaborates on what he considers the three essential points to effective advocacy for health care services in prisons and jails: (1) correctional facilities are important settings for health care interventions because populations there typically bear a disproportionately heavy disease burden; (2) successful health interventions are possible among inmate populations; and (3) successful interventions benefit not only inmates, their families, and partners, but the public at large, particularly the urban communities from which most inmates come.
CHLP fights stigma and discrimination at the intersection of HIV, race, health status, disability, class, sexuality and gender identity and expression, with a focus on criminal and public health systems. As part of this work, we support movement building that amplifies the power of individuals and communities to mobilize for change rooted in racial, gender and economic justice. We do this through legal advocacy, high-impact policy initiatives, and creation of cross-issue partnerships, networks, and resources.