This month we have two substantive articles vital to all correctional providers. Dr. Joseph Bick gives a practical, erudite explication of providing palliative and end-of-life care in correctional facilities. Likewise, Dr. Stephen Tabet presents a case study of a patient with AIDS and widely metastatic lung cancer who has decided he does not want chemotherapy but is concerned about pain. Dr. J. Randall Curtis of the University of Washington provides the case study discussion, noting issues the physician should address first, what issues to address with the patient and how, and other important aspects of the case to consider.

This clinical approach is juxtaposed with a very real example of an inmate's personal experience: a letter recently received at the California Medical Facility from the wife of an inmate who died in the prison hospice, and who kindly allowed us to publish her letter in this issue.

All correctional providers have to deal with death and dying. This issue of HEPP Report once again provides front-line correctional clinicians the tools needed to approach the problem, as well as the thought processes needed to approach the problem well. These articles recognize the need to involve the entire correctional system in providing the residents with quality end-of-life care. Specific suggestions to involve correctional administration and staff on this issue are invaluable. Death and dying is something most people can empathize with, and this aspect of care can serve as a bridge for other areas of health care interaction with security staff.

After reading this month's issue, you should be familiar with the issues surrounding palliative and end-of-life care to for inmates, including managing pain effectively, communicating with patients, and overcoming challenges unique to the correctional system. As usual, every issue of HEPP Report has tremendous value and provides CME credit as well. This one is no exception. Enjoy it and I hope you learn as much as I did.