Event Date
Amend is a program based in the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine that draws on public health, medical ethics, occupational health, international human rights, and correctional practices from Norway and beyond to immediately address dehumanizing conditions in U.S. prisons that perpetuate trauma, violence, and health inequities among residents and staff. This presentation will introduce the audience to the public health principles that have enabled the Norwegian Correctional Service to run the “world’s most humane prisons”. It will then describe Amend’s early efforts to bring this approach to change culture in California prisons.
Dr. Brie Williams, MD, MS is a Professor of Medicine at the Center for Vulnerable Populations at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), with specialty training in internal medicine, geriatrics, and palliative care. Dr. Williams conducts policy-oriented research to improve the health and wellbeing of prison residents and correctional staff. Dr. Williams research has led to new methods for evaluating the health needs of incarcerated older adults, helped shape correctional healthcare policies, brought international attention to the adverse physical health impact of solitary confinement on older adults, introduced evidence-based approaches to minimize its use, and she has helped to redesign “compassionate release” policies for the seriously ill. As Director of Amend at UCSF, Dr. Williams develops and maintains international partnerships designed to bring public health, human rights and decarceration-oriented policies and practices to U.S. prisons.
*This talk will be given as a webinar as well as a limited in-person option. The link will be provided on Tuesday, February 28th to those that have registered by 5:00pm on Monday, February 27th.*
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