In a bold move to address the lack of women's health education in prisons, the Prison Library Project has unveiled a innovative campaign called "Contrabanned." This initiative, launched during Prison Banned Books Week (September 15-21, 2024), introduces a unique women's health book designed to bypass strict censorship rules in state prison systems.
The project, developed in partnership with OHG's Purpose Group, tackles a significant issue in the U.S. prison system: the systematic banning of women's health books, often under the pretext of containing "sexually explicit" content. To overcome this barrier, the Prison Library Project devised an ingenious method of delivering crucial health information to incarcerated women.
The 250-page health book was sent page by page as individual letters to an incarcerated former nurse. Using dental floss from the prison commissary, she assembled the pages into a complete book. This method exploits a loophole in prison regulations, as letters are not subject to the same restrictions as books. The innovative approach not only circumvents censorship but also promotes peer education within the prison system.
The content of the book is tailored specifically for the nearly one million incarcerated women in the United States, 70% of whom have literacy levels below the fourth-grade. Written by female health literacy experts and medical students, the book covers essential topics such as menstrual health, breast cancer, and sexual health in clear, simple language.
Mckenna Deluca from the Prison Library Project emphasizes the broader implications of this initiative: "Contrabanned shows the power of knowledge, but also peer education, which research shows reduces risky behavior and the rate of reincarceration. This content is needed from a public health concern standpoint and for the safety of our communities."
The campaign sheds light on the growing issue of censorship in prison libraries across America. Dina Peck, Chief Creative Officer of OHG's Purpose Group, states, "Anyone who wants health education (in prison or otherwise) should have access to it." The project aims to make this book the first approved women's health book across the prison system, with a petition available for public support.
Dr. Susan Andreas, a contributor to the book and Director of Health Literacy at one of the Purpose Group agencies, underscores the critical nature of this initiative: "Women with limited health literacy tend to have higher rates of hospitalization and are more likely to suffer from chronic conditions. Access to health literate content can help change that."
The impact of this project extends beyond the prison walls. By improving health literacy among incarcerated women, the initiative has the potential to reduce healthcare costs, improve public health outcomes, and support successful reintegration into society upon release. The project also challenges the broader issue of censorship in prisons, potentially paving the way for more comprehensive educational resources for inmates.
As part of the campaign launch, the Prison Library Project will host a livestream event on September 20th, 2024, featuring the team behind the project. This event provides an opportunity for wider public engagement and discussion on the issues of prison censorship and health literacy.
The "Contrabanned" project represents a significant step forward in addressing the health education needs of a vulnerable population. By creatively circumventing censorship barriers, it not only provides essential health information to incarcerated women but also challenges the systemic issues within the prison system that limit access to crucial educational materials. As this initiative gains traction, it may spark broader discussions about prison reform, inmate rights, and the role of education in rehabilitation and public health.
