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Last updated 10:08 am CT February 09, 2010.
Mental Health at Tamms Supermax Prison
Critics say the prison's solitary confinement policy is inhumane, especially for the mentally ill. It is an issue U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) says has to be addressed.
Durbin toured the facility Thursday hoping to learn first hand what programs are available for inmates.
He says he was pleased with reforms that have been made in recent months but says others are still needed.
The state says those men have earned their way there, but Durbin says there is a major issue that prisons will have to start dealing with.
"More and more people are coming into our prison systems suffering from serious mental illness," Durbin said.
In September, Durbin held a senate hearing on mental health in state prisons.
The hearing was prompted by criticisms of Tamms solitary confinement policy.
Following his tour, Durbin told reporters he is pleased with the treatment available at Tamms.
"There are opportunities for mental health professionals to be in contact with every inmate here on a regular basis," Durbin said.
There is one mental health professional for roughly every 30 prisoners.
It's a ratio Durbin says is unmatched anywhere else. After speaking with several inmates Durbin said he is convinced they receive proper mental health care.
"They were overwhelmingly positive that they were in the right place in terms of mental illness care."
Durbin says he's pleased with reforms being made, but wants to see more focus on treating mental health issues not only at Tamms but at prisons throughout the country.
"If their mental illnesses and addictions are not addressed in some form and they come out of prison they are more likely to commit another crime, they will be another victim," Durbin said.
By:WSIL-TV Staff
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Additional Links:
Sen. Durbin News Release On Alleged Tamms Abuse
Now: 1265732881
