Maggie Luna and Doug Smith on NPR

“Jail deaths rose 11 percent since 2000 when the U.S. Department of Justice began tallying these deaths. Suicides are the leading cause of jail deaths. Fatal drug overdoses are the fastest growing cause of death.

“Maggie Luna spent time in and out of jails in Texas. She was left feeling despondent when she asked for help with her mental health and addiction to opioids.

“‘[Staff] feel a need that it’s their job to perpetuate punishment … instead of looking at it as a place where you are there to help this person become better,’ Luna said.”

Leading with Conviction 2022 cohort member Maggie Luna and 2018 graduate Doug Smith joined the 1A podcast on NPR to speak about inadequate healthcare in prisons and jails, where the lack of mental health and substance abuse resources endangers those inside.

Read more and hear the full podcast at NPR.