Oklahoma has no system for handling or treating incarcerated people with mental illness.

Deadly Jails PBS Short Film Festival

Premiered July 12, 2021
Deadly Jails: asset-mezzanine-16x9
This video is unavailable in your area. Visit the PBS FAQ page for more information.
Deadly Jails

Christina Dawn Tahhahwah of the Comanche Nation suffered from mental illness and died in an Oklahoma jail. Brittany Weide, who was bipolar and suffered from addiction, after being incarcerated for sleeping outside and carrying illegal drugs, committed suicide in her cell. Like many states, Oklahoma has no mechanisms in place for handling or treating incarcerated people with mental illness.

About the Program

PBS Short Film Festival

The PBS Short Film Festival elevates the reach and visibility of independent filmmakers from across the country. Since its inception in 2012, hundreds of films celebrating love, acceptance, family, strength, equality, friendship, loyalty and more have been presented under the festival’s banner. The 2023 festival features “Stories in bloom” which represents growing and changing narratives.

Here’s your ticket to stream.

Stream the best of public television on demand with GPB Passport: MASTERPIECE dramas and mysteries, NOVA, Ken Burns documentaries, Finding Your Roots and more. Binge full seasons, get early access to new episodes before they air on television and catch up on programs you missed with this powerful donor benefit from GPB!