Health through Walls

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North Miami, FL
Health through Walls

We partner with prison systems that demonstrate professional and ethical management while seeking continuous improvement. HISTORY.

We work with prison authorities in developing countries to strengthen healthcare services for incarcerated individuals with a focus on the identification and successful treatment of infectious diseases and other impactful health needs. Health through Walls works in partnership with local correctional administrations and health care staff of developing nations to assist their efforts in delivering

effective and quality health care. Several of these systems are severely overcrowded and lack sufficient resources. Health through Walls is currently working in Haiti, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Tanzania, Ghana, and South Africa. While remaining apolitical, Health through Walls works with all stakeholders to find solutions to the health needs of prisoners. We cherish the privilege of working as a guest inside the prison walls, and respect the limitations and confidences of each situation. We bring voluteer doctors, nurses, and other correctional professionals into the prisons of our host countries, first to understand their needs and secondly to assist meeting them. Sometimes the missions involve direct patient services, and other times the work involves conducting needs assessments, technical training, policy review, or resource collection and donations. The volunteers of Health through Walls often travel on their own time and at their own expense. We encourage the professional development of the local healthcare staff and the establishment of reproducible processes. We host visits by local prison staff to prison and jail facilities in the United States, and often sponsor their participation in correctional healthcare conferences or seminars. Since 2001, Health through Walls has provided technical assistance, training, resources, supplies, medicine, and direct patient care services to the prisons of several economically-disadvantaged countries. The founder and Medical Director of Health through Walls, Dr. John P. May, is an internist and expert in correctional health care and currently resides in South Florida. Dr. May has a long history of public service and has long been an organizer for effective healthcare delivery. He is a national and international advocate for adequate and appropriate healthcare services in jails and prisons, and in 2005 was awarded the Armond Start Award of Excellence. Dr. May recently served as the Chairman of the International Relations Committee of the American Correctional Association. Under Dr. May's direction the committee was charged with formalizing the mechanisms of resource and supply for donations to prison systems of developing countries. A WORD ON PUBLIC HEALTH & PRISONS. The efforts of Health through Walls are of some urgency because reducing HIV and tuberculosis in the world requires intervention in the overcrowded prisons of nations struggling with social and economic hardship. Prisoners carry disproportionately high amounts of infectious disease. Infectious diseases such as HIV and tuberculosis are often introduced into prison by newly arriving prisoners. If these diseases are not properly identified and managed, they can spread. Even more dangerous is the potential for the development of diseases which are resistant to common treatments. This phenomenon has been documented in many prison systems throughout the world. The condition can easily transmit to correctional staff and visitors. Eventually, most prisoners return to their communities and further the risk of transmission. Additionally, most inmates come from poor communities or high risk environments. They often had little prior exposure to regular health care services. Correctional health care programs are uniquely positioned to screen and identify health conditions of which the inmate might have been previously unaware. This creates an opportunity for disease education, early intervention, and adoption of healthy behaviors to reduce further health burdens. World health experts recognize prisons as important points of intervention for the control, identification and treatment of infectious disease and other illness. Prison-based health interventions have proven to be beneficial and effective, resulting in lower burden of disease in communities. Prison health professionals in most countries understand this potential, but often lack the resources to be most effective. Health through Walls seeks to assist countries in making these strategies a success.

07/02/2025

Proud to see our CEO moderating, and one of our own trailblazing leaders on the panel, for this global webinar on incarceration, health equity, and gender justice. 🌍
Don’t miss this important conversation!

SAVE THE DATE: August 18, 2025 | Incarcerated Bodies, Invisible Struggles: Gender, Rights, and Health in Prisons

In an era where prison populations continue to grow worldwide and healthcare inequities are increasingly recognised as human rights concerns, we're bringing together an exceptional panel of global experts for ICPA's Healthcare Newtowrk webinar: "Incarcerated Bodies, Invisible Struggles: Gender, Rights, and Health in Prisons."

This timely discussion comes as countries worldwide face unprecedented challenges in addressing the specific health needs of incarcerated populations, particularly those related to gender and vulnerability.

Meet our speakers:

- Ivan Calder (Moderator) - With extensive experience across multiple continents, Ivan brings unparalleled insight as CEO of Health through Walls and Chair of the ICPA Health Care Network Group. His background in nursing, addiction psychiatry, and correctional leadership makes him the perfect moderator for this crucial conversation.

- Professor Marie Claire Van Hout - A prolific researcher with over 320 peer-reviewed publications, Professor Van Hout's expertise in law, health inequalities, and human rights of prison populations has made her a trusted consultant for the UN, Council of Europe, and WHO.

- Dr. Fatou Kiné Dieng - Currently overseeing healthcare for 37 medical facilities in Senegal's prison system, Dr. Dieng brings valuable perspective from her experience in emergency medicine and UN peacekeeping operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mali.

- Karine Duverger - With 16 years leading Health Through Walls in Haiti, Karine has championed infectious disease management across 20 correctional facilities. Her master's in criminal justice and passionate advocacy for women's leadership in corrections bring vital insight to our panel.

- Dr. Donna-Michelle Royer-Powe - A true pioneer as Jamaica's first and longest-serving woman to lead correctional healthcare, Dr. Royer-Powe has overcome significant barriers to implement transformative initiatives, including establishing a nursery for incarcerated mothers.

From reproductive rights to gender-sensitive care models, HIV management to maternal health, this webinar addresses the complex challenges facing incarcerated populations in 2025 and beyond.

As we witness growing global advocacy for prison reform and renewed focus on healthcare as a human right, this conversation couldn't be more relevant. Join us to learn how these experts are breaking barriers and creating more humane, equitable healthcare systems for the most vulnerable.

Register now: http://bit.ly/4nrNHLK!

05/01/2025

Every day, we step into places the world forgets—overcrowded prisons, under-resourced clinics, and cells where basic healthcare is a distant dream.

“Good Medicine, Hard Realities” captures the heart of what we do.

At Health Through Walls, we believe that no one—no matter where they are—should be denied the dignity of care.

This article shares the story of our mission. If it moves you, please help us keep going. Your support directly impacts others lives.

https://justinsterett.substack.com/p/good-medicine-in-bad-places

“It is said that no one truly knows a nation until one has been inside its jails.” -Nelson Mandela

02/06/2025

Grateful to the Department of Correctional Services, Jamaica for welcoming us on a tour of their facilities and hosting an insightful workshop on Re-Entry Healthcare. Strong partnerships like these drive meaningful change—helping individuals successfully reintegrate while strengthening communities.

01/08/2025

✨Exciting news!✨

We’re proud to unveil our bold new look with a refreshed logo that reflects our global mission and values. This is more than a design—it’s a symbol of our unwavering commitment to health equity and the communities we serve.🤎🩺

Stay tuned for what’s next!

08/29/2024

Dear Facebook Family,

If you fancy something a little different come join us to discuss healthcare in prisons! Link below!

Hugs,

IIvan Calder

As the Chair of the ICPA Healthcare Network Group I am delighted to moderate this session and to learn from our incredible panel members about advancements in…

07/01/2024

The International Committee of the Red Cross with our Kenyan Correctional colleagues are hosting the 1st African Conference on Health in Dentention. I've loved being involved in the Scientific Steering Committee responsible for delivering this event, and I'm proud to represent the International Corrections and Prisons Association as Chair of the Heathcare Network. Are you interested to join the ICPA? Please get in touch! The Health through Walls team are also presenting our work in partnership with the Malawian, Ethiopian, Ghanaian, Mozambican, and Central African Republic Prison Services. Let's join forces and further our impacts for people detained in prison!!

05/14/2024

Health through Walls continues to feed people deprived of liberty in Haiti. This is because of your support, and that of our partners. This is an amazing achievement given the instability in the country. The alternative is starvation and death. If you can help bring food, humanity, and hope, to people with no control over their lives please donate via our website: www.healththroughwalls.org.

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North Miami, FL

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+13055190171

Website

http://www.healththroughwalls.org/

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