top of page
Image by Matthew Ansley

Mindfulness in prisons

The U.S. has the highest incarceration rate of any country, and that rate has steadily increased since the 1980s. Over 2.4 million Americans are currently serving time—one out of every 100 adults.

  • More than 50% of released offenders return to prison within three years

  • State spending on corrections has quadrupled over the past 20 years as the second fastest growing budget area ($52 billion annually)

  • The cost to incarcerate one inmate is an estimated $65,000/year, well above the median U.S. income

62211148_10157256938292954_7243846370614837248_n.jpg
13432143_10154169796947954_2000541030067269021_n.jpg
1662336_10153743105362954_5769634329530921057_n.jpg

Combating Recidivism

​

Over the past 35 years, mindfulness meditation techniques have been taught to inmates and guards in some of America’s toughest prisons, including San Quentin, Folsom and Walpole, with dramatic benefit. Key results include:
 

  • More than a 30% reduction in recidivism rates

  • Fewer rule infractions in prison

  • Less criminal thinking, psychological distress and trauma symptoms

  • Decreased anxiety, depression, fatigue and anger

  • Increased spiritual well-being, optimism and purposefulness

Creating Systematic Change

The recidivism rates in U.S. prisons are unacceptable and carry extraordinary human and financial costs that affect current and future survivors of violence, the inmates themselves and society as a whole. The beginnings of East Texas Wellness work started in prisons in the Midwest and is now focused on improving recidivism rates for the East Texas region.

 

To learn more about our work in rehabilitation centers and speak with a member of our staff please contact us below.

bottom of page