Recently, as part of “International Radio Day,” Israel Prison Service’s radio station, “Radio Focus,” concentrated their programming on medical issues. Among those invited to speak on their areas of expertise were two experts from Rambam Health Care Campus (Rambam) in Haifa, Israel.
L-R: Dr. Shahar Shelly and Dr. Oren Caspi. Credit: Rambam HCC.
Included in these special segments were Dr. Oren Caspi, the director of the Heart Failure Unit and head of Rambam’s Cardiovascular Research and Innovation Center, and Dr. Shahar Shelly, head of the Neuromuscular Clinic in the Department of Neurology. The two physicians answered thought-provoking questions posed by prisoners, specific to their unique circumstances and interests.
The Israeli prison service radio station, “Radio Focus,” is part of the rehabilitation-education program, launched in 2016 as a collaboration between the Israel Prison Service, the Topaz Association, the National Insurance Institute, and the Ministry of Social Affairs. Under the supervision of the Israel Prison Service education officers, recordings are broadcast 24/7 from Ayalon Prison in Ramla, Israel. Prisoners participating in the program undergo academic training to work in the radio profession, after which they independently select the program subjects, conduct interviews, produce, and edit each broadcast.
This unique opportunity and rehabilitation project equips participating prisoners with a “toolbox” to aid them in their journey as they transition to additional rehabilitation programs, aimed at smooth reintegration into society upon release from prison.
Nimrod Halberthal, a radio personality who works closely with the prisoners is responsible for training the participating prisoners. He guides them in producing programs that reflect issues related to prison life such as the holidays, health, and family. Pointing out the program is now entering its eighth successful year, Halberthal explains the importance of the program training. “The prisoners are exposed to the accepted professional requirements in the field. As a result, their computer literacy, communication skills, and cognitive abilities improve. They learn to ask questions they would not normally ask outside this setting.”
Zemer Zaks-Teshuva, an education officer and director of the “Radio Focus” project on behalf of the Israeli prison service comments, “Between sixty and seventy percent of inmates tune in to Radio Focus, with the majority of listeners mainly in the morning hours. The radio is actually one of our rehabilitation program tools for prisoners. Radio is a proven tool connecting the outside world with the prison world.”
A civilian management team staffs the project. The prisoners, on the other hand, are entrusted with creating content and receive guidance in acquiring the soft skills needed to do the job. Zaks-Teshuva explains, “The prisoners hone these skills through real world experience of interpersonal communication within the occupational framework, dealing with workplace challenges, teamwork, coping with frustration, and respect for others.” He goes on to point out that, “Each interviewee becomes part of the prisoners’ rehabilitation, helping them to prepare for their eventual return to the community.”
Dr. Caspi shares, “The questions asked reflected the prisoners’ practical concerns related to heart diseases such as: How to prevent heart disease? What symptoms of heart disease should we be concerned? What should be done in case of cardiac arrest?” Dr. Caspi pointed out the importance of self-care. “I spoke of the importance of quitting smoking – a common habit developed in prison. These prisoners need an objective response to the health challenges that reflect their world. Developing a healthy lifestyle is a significant part of the rehabilitation process.”
Dr. Shelly found the interview to be quite interesting. Many of the interview questions reflected curiosity, with questions that revolved around brain diseases and activity, such as how to keep a young brain. He notes, “There were fascinating questions from the medical and psychological worlds, such as: What is a thought? What is a soul? What happens when a person experiences fear? What does stress do to our immune system? And how do we adopt positive thinking? They were so excited to talk, one-on-one, with medical experts.”
Dr. Shelly concludes, “I feel that I was able to bring light to a place that was dark for a long time. I believe most people are capable of something good and they just need the right stimulation. Since I represent a public institution (Rambam), this activity is part of giving back and contributing to the community. Knowledge is universal and belongs to everyone. Imparting knowledge to this sector of Israeli society reflects our ability to benefit and support ourselves as a society collectively.”
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