ABSTRACT
In an environment where identity is stripped away, where survival of the fittest reigns and weakness is preyed upon, the notion of dying within prison walls is especially egregious. In a quote from Byock (2002, p. 107) the author writes, “Dying in prison is what inmates fear most . .. spending their last hours in agony, alone, separated from family outside and from friends within . . .” As our prison population continues to expand and age, with longer sentences and limited use of compassionate release (Ratcliff, 2000), prisons are finding themselves responsible for the end of life stages for their wards. Fortunately, some correctional facilities are responding, developing hospice units and programs.
