Vera Institute of Justice

Although New York State’s prison population is shrinking overall, the number of elderly people incarcerated is growing rapidly. Now, approximately two out of ten people incarcerated in New York is 50 or older. Many are frail and ill, aging in a prison system that is not equipped to serve as a nursing home or a hospice facility. On September 12, we invite you to join the Vera Institute of Justice and the Release Aging People in Prison: RAPP Campaign to hear from those directly impacted by compassionate release policies, the medical professionals trying to get help for people aging in prison, and the advocates trying to change the system.

The program will open with a TED-style talk by Jose Saldana, formerly incarcerated organizer at RAPP, followed by a panel discussion.

Panelists will be:

Leon Digard (moderator), senior research editor, Vera Institute of Justice;

Jose Saldana, formerly incarcerated organizer with RAPP;

Laura Whitehorn, formerly incarcerated organizer with RAPP;

Rachael Bedard, director of geriatrics and complex care services with the Division of Correctional Health Services in NYC Health + Hospitals; and

Melissa Tanis, member of RAPP

*A small wine and cheese reception will be held at 5:30 pm, with programming to start at 6:30 pm.