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Now that I have finally been released from solitary confinement back into society, I am still faced with many obstacles. Still, I refuse to lose focus and continue to work to achieve my independent living plan in order to obtain a residence of my own and get out of the shelter system, which has established policies that have become obstacles on my road to becoming a productive and contributing member of society.

Since my release, I have touched base with the active members of RIPPD (Rights for Imprisoned People with Psychiatric Disabilities), an effective grassroots organization that opposes the constant placement of prisoners with mental illnesses into solitary confinement (SHU) in both New York State prisons and jails. If long-term solitary confinement deteriorates the mental capacity of a sane individual, imagine what it does to someone who is already diagnosed with mental illness. How is a mentally ill prisoner going to be rehabilitated by the Department of Correctional Services when they continue with these practices? “How,” we must ask ourselves, “are these prisoners to become productive members of society upon their release from prison?”

RIPPD works to have mental illnesses understood as a condition that is in fact treatable and manageable. Members of RIPPD fight for peace and justice for all peoples and social change for the betterment of the community and society as a whole.

I have attended several meetings and believe that everyone should contact RIPPD at the Urban Justice Center in order to be involved in making a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of prisoners with mental illnesses.

It is my concern after having been for so many years in prison with a mental illness that too many of you may take these issues too lightly. I have personally lived through many months in solitary confinement cells called SHUs (Special Housing Units) and it has definitely changed me, so that I am no longer the same trusting child I once was before coming in contact with the criminal (abusive) justice system.

Today, I find myself with serious mental illness, trying not to think that others are conspiring against me. It isn’t easy. During my release process from prison, many things went awry that led me to believe I was being set up to fail. I am at times overwhelmed with emotion and wracked with tremors and the flow of tears when I think of what I went through in prison, what I am now going through and what I may still have to go through. For these reasons, I am choosing to participate in the fight for peace and justice, proudly standing with others for social change. I do not want to feel that alone again.

To get involved anyway you can, send your e-mails to lrtega@urbaniustice.org or call Lisa Ortega at (646) 602-5664 or write Lisa Ortega, RIPPD, Urban Justice Center, 666 Broadway, Floor 10, New York NY 10012.