End-of-Life Care behind Bars

Abstract

More people than ever before are being incarcerated in the United States. Many inmates are infected with HIV and hepatitis C. Sentences are increasing in length. Prison health care is now having to cope with the many chronic illnesses associated with an ill and aging population. The growth of end-of-life care programs in corrections in the United States is a direct result of the changing demographics of inmates. This article examines the need for end-of-life care behind bars and discusses selected hospice programs.