Solitary in Supermax

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In recent years, Colorado and some other states states have been moving away from putting inmates in solitary confinement. A growing body of research finds isolation can lead to mental illness, or make existing problems worse. But federal prisons are a different story. They’re relying more on solitary confinement, and according to a new lawsuit, aren’t providing adequate mental health screening or care. Denver attorney Ed Aro filed this suit on behalf of prisoners at the federal facility in Florence, Colorado, known as ADX. Aro speaks with Ryan Warner. We should note that the federal Bureau of Prisons didn’t get back with us in time for an interview.

[Photo: Courtesy of Ed Aro]