USP and BCC Staff View Virtual Reality Intervention Program for Waymart

Federal Prison Staff from the Secure Mental Health Step Down Unit at United States Penitentiary (USP) Allenwood visited SCI Waymart along with Bureau of Community Corrections (BCC) staff and Special Assistant Deb Sahd to view the Virtual Reality (VR) Intervention program at Waymart. The VR project is a BetaGov trial submitted through IDEA.

A representative from Nsena, Ethan Moeller, who assisted in the VR project in PA was also present and demonstrated new technology to the group. 

Waymart is conducting a pilot to test the effectiveness of VR as an intervention for those with mental health disorders. This is a four-month randomized controlled trial to compare the effectiveness of VR exposure to incarcerated individuals diagnosed with mental health disorders to help improve physical and psychological health.

Unit Manager Tiffinie Kaye stated, "The inmates at SCI Waymart thoroughly enjoy their VR exposure, they look forward to their weekly sessions. Their VR sessions have helped to improve their behavior and emotional satisfaction."