Increased Mortality of Black Incarcerated and Hospitalized People: a Single State Cohort Analysis.
Zahna BighamOkechi BomsRubeen GuardadoDavid A BunnJason E GlennAlysse G WurcelPublished in: Journal of racial and ethnic health disparities (2023)
Our findings suggest disparities exist in the mortality outcomes among Black and White individuals who are hospitalized during incarceration, with an increased rate of death among Black individuals. Despite hypothesized equal access to healthcare within correctional facilities, our findings suggest that incarcerated and hospitalized Black individuals may experience worse disparities than their White counterparts, which has not been previously explored or reported in the literature. In addition to decarceration, advocacy, and political efforts, increased efforts to support research access to datasets of healthcare outcomes, including hospitalization and death, for incarcerated people should be encouraged. Further research is needed to identify and address the implicit and explicit sources of these racial health disparities across the spectrum of healthcare provision.