JPEN Hosts Kickoff Reception for the Inaugural Corrections Safety and Health in Action Symposium
Research has long documented the mental and physical challenges associated with corrections work and living in correctional environments. In response, the inaugural Corrections Safety and Health in Action (CSHA) Symposium was created to share evidence-based resources for improving safety, health and well-being, drawing on years of research funded by the National Institute of Corrections (NIC).
On Sunday, Aug. 24, the Jesuit Prison Education Network (JPEN) hosted a kickoff reception at Regis University’s Jesuit House to launch the symposium. The reception, held from 4-6 p.m., served as a community gathering ahead of the full-day symposium on Monday, Aug. 25. Learn more here.
The CSHA Symposium was co-hosted by Lisa Jaegers, Ph.D. of St. Louis University and Mazen El Ghaziri, Ph.D. of the University of Massachusetts Lowell, with support from a grant provided by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). This collaboration underscored the need to connect research with practice to better serve both correctional staff and incarcerated populations. Opening remarks from the American Correctional Association, Correctional Leaders Association and the American Jail Association set a powerful tone for the one-day event.
The kickoff featured a panel discussion on “Building Connections to Improve Safety, Health and Success Inside and Out of Corrections.” Panelists included Leigh Burrows (Colorado DOC), Sean Mueller (author and prison education advisor), Mark Sanders (Regis Inside/Out graduate) and Tanner Valdez (mentor and advocate).
Attendees represented a diverse group, including staff from the state Departments of Correction in Colorado, Kansas and Washington; faculty and staff from Loyola University New Orleans, the Jesuit Social Research Institute, the Saint Louis University Prison Education Program and Colorado State University, whose occupational therapy student volunteers supported the event. Together, these voices explored strategies to reduce workplace stress and trauma while promoting healthier correctional environments.
The conversation was framed by Fr. Thomas B. Curran, S.J., who reflected on Jesuit values of accompaniment and shared humanity. Panelists addressed integrated training and education, staff and resident well-being, and the partnerships needed to sustain meaningful change.
The evening closed with a discussion on implementation and sustainability, offering visions for new initiatives and measures of success. Looking ahead, plans are already underway for the 2026 CSHA Symposium, which will build on the momentum of this inaugural gathering.
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