believes that access to quality healthcare is a fundamental right, even for those behind bars.
WHAT WE DO
Create training programs
Fund clinical missions
Purchase life-changing supplies
Provide essential medications
Since our founding, we have been dedicated to working alongside prison authorities in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to bring essential healthcare services to incarcerated individuals.
Our focus is on addressing infectious diseases, chronic illnesses, and other critical healthcare needs within correctional facilities. By collaborating with national and international partners, we work to build resilient, sustainable health systems that benefit not only those in custody but also the surrounding communities.
We know that the health of a prison population is deeply connected to public health at large. That’s why our approach extends beyond prison walls. Through education, training, and resource development, we empower local healthcare providers and authorities to create lasting change, ensuring continuity of care and fostering healthier societies.
Donate now to bring whole-health solutions to populations around the world.
Health through Walls
Our History
Founded by Dr. John May
After watching a program on the misspending of government funds in Haitian prisons, Dr. John P. May knew he wanted to be part of the solution. The documentary revealed horrific prison conditions and wasted resources. As a U.S. correctional healthcare doctor, he traveled to Haiti to see the crisis firsthand and found it worse than depicted. Back home, he began organizing monthly deliveries of basic supplies like soap and medicine. Inspired by the impact, others joined his efforts, leading to the creation of Health through Walls.
Partnered with the Jamaican Department of Correctional Services and the International Corrections and Prison Association to install a telemedicine program.
Launched the first formal HIV treatment for incarcerated individuals in Haiti. Partnered with Les Centres GHESKIO in Haiti to provide training and treatment to formerly incarcerated individuals who have been released.
Received a grant from USAID for the Control and Prevention of the Spread of Contagious Disease at the National Penitentiary, the first global USAID prison health program. Collaborated with the United Nations Stabilization Mission and local NGOs to improve healthcare in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
First visited Ghana at the request of United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations to assist with converting to bio-gas technology and the donation of health and wellness essentials such as infirmary supplies and medication support. Provided crucial supplies and equipment to prisons across Haiti following the earthquake.
Collaborated to present information at the XIX International AIDS Conference.
Established trained medical teams in six prisons across Haiti.
Received funding from the Elton John AIDS Foundation, which began health screenings of HIV and tuberculosis for over 8,000 incarcerated individuals at La Victoria Penitentiary in the Dominican Republic and expanded medical screenings to 10 more prisons across Haiti.
Invited by Mozambique’s Minister of Justice to assist with improving care and treatment in Mozambique’s overcrowded and overwhelmed prison system.
Taught a course on Prison Health Leadership for the International Corrections and Prison Association’s African Prisons Leadership Training in Namibia.
Launched an initiative with Fundación Génesis, with the guidance of the Ministry of Health, to use the University of New Mexico’s ECHO model to treat 9,000 incarcerated individuals in the Dominican Republic’s La Victoria prison for hepatitis C.
Began services in Central African Republic. Treated over 5,000 incarcerated persons for tuberculosis.
Helped restock medical supplies and equipment to the La Victoria Penitentiary, Dominican Republic after a devastating fire.