Every year, thousands of ex-offenders, including some suffering from mental illness, are released back into communities across the nation. Many of them leave prison without the proper mental health care or means to access it. Understanding these circumstances pose a risk to public safety, Congressman André Carson filed the Recidivism Reduction Act last summer, which would ensure prompt access to federal benefits for offenders reentering society and help address the gap in mental health services to help stop the cycle of recidivism.

Tomorrow's Congressional briefing will provide information to fellow members of Congress and their staff and will feature mental health and corrections experts from across the nation. The event is intended to raise awareness of the critical issue of recidivism and rally support for the Recidivism Reduction Act.

WHEN: 10 a.m., Wednesday, May 12

WHERE: Rayburn 2222, Washington, D.C.

Barriers in current federal law mean returning ex-offenders have to wait several months after their release before being able to access disability and Medicaid benefits. Under Carson's legislation these benefits would be available to eligible individuals on the first day of their release, providing access to the necessary services and resources vital to making a successful transition back into society.