February 4, 2022
The Times Argus report this week on survey results released recently by University of Vermont researchers, looking at feedback from Vermont Southern State Corrections staff and the incarcerated about their mental health. The survey is part of the Prison Research and Innovation Network, a consortium of five states working on a model of transparency, accountability, and innovations in prisons. The other four states participating are Delaware, Iowa, Missouri, and Colorado.
From the Times Argus story:
According to the survey done last June, 49% of staff at the Southern State Correctional Facility developed anxiety since starting their career in corrections, 46% developed depression, 43% became overweight or obese, 40% developed high blood pressure and 39% developed post-traumatic stress disorder. The study found 10% of staff seriously considered ending their life at some point in the past 12 months.
The survey found 94% of staff either disagreed or strongly disagreed that there was enough staff to meet the prison’s needs. It said 95% either disagreed or strongly disagreed that staff morale is high and 95% either agreed or strongly agreed that the incarcerated are more likely to engage in negative behavior if they don’t have enough to do.
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