Trouble in Mind

According to a recent U.S. Department of Justice study, more than half of all state prisoners in America reported some kind of mental health problem last year. At least one in every five inmates in Colorado's prison system is seriously mentally ill -- and, as this week's cover story, "Head...

By Michael Roberts

September 21, 2006

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According to a recent U.S. Department of Justice study, more than half of all state prisoners in America reported some kind of mental health problem last year. At least one in every five inmates in Colorado's prison system is seriously mentally ill -- and, as this week's cover story, "Head Games," makes clear, that figure might be a lowball estimate. On Friday, Sept. 22, Alan Prendergast will talk about how the state deals with (and often ignores) mentally ill prisoners in an interview with Ryan Warner on Colorado Public Radio's Colorado Matters, 10:00 a.m., KCFR, 1340 AM, with a second airing at 7 p.m.

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

Contact: Michael Roberts

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