When we think about incarcerated individuals, the hope is that upon release, they don’t return to prison. But if they do, it’s as an asset to their community, not as an adult in custody (AIC). Martin Lockett, a former AIC who served 17 years in prison, is a powerful example of this transformation. After his release, he returned to the Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC)—not as an AIC, but as the Director of Cultural Engagement for Lines for Life.
His mission aligns closely with that of Mental Health First Aid USA: to provide high-quality, evidence-based education so that more people are equipped with the skills to support others facing mental health challenges.
When Lockett arrived at the Oregon State Penitentiary (OSP) to lead this training, it was clear to the AICs enrolled in the program that this would be a different presentation. These AICs, who were already certified as Peer Wellness Specialists, Recovery Mentors, and Alcohol and Drug Counselors, were introduced to materials from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. These included a Participant Processing Manual, an Adult Manual, a pre-test, and a quiz. The training lasts 7.5 hours and is focused on recognizing the signs of mental health challenges through changes in thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and appearances.
At the heart of the training is the five-step action plan of Mental Health First Aid. This action plan empowers mental health workers and advocates with the skills to respond to both crises and non-crisis situations. While the content of the curriculum was impactful, the real power came from how Lockett connected with the AICs. He shared his own struggles with mental health while incarcerated, creating a sense of openness and understanding. At one point, he told the group, “Stigma is a negative attitude. We have to normalize that it’s okay to struggle with mental health.” Lockett emphasized the importance of mental health first aiders taking care of themselves, noting that they can’t effectively care for others if they aren’t addressing their own needs first.
The commitment to this training went beyond the AICs in the room. Early on, key members of the DOC Administration joined the session, including Mike Reese, the Director of DOC; Dawnell Meyers, Behavioral Health Services Administrator; and Staci Donley, OSP Institution Substance Use Disorder Treatment Manager.
To date, Lockett has facilitated two training sessions at OSP, with a lasting impact on both the AICs and the DOC staff who participated. This initiative is not only changing how mental health is approached within the correctional system but also empowering those incarcerated to become leaders and change-makers in their communities.
Story by OSP PIO Media Team Member, T. Hall and OSP PIO, Stephanie Lane
