MBCC inmates graduate from transformative prison fitness program

MCLOUD, Okla. (KFOR) — Dozens of incarcerated women at Mabel Bassett Correctional Center (MBCC) are improving their lives through an exercise program and bettering their lifestyle choices.

Inmates at MBCC have launched a program called Prison Health Initiative (PHI) where they spend several days throughout the week in the prison gym and classroom to reshape their bodies, mind, and spirit.

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“The classes they take are on nutrition and how to maintain their health better,” gym manager Jared McCord said. “It’s not just working out. They are getting the knowledge in the classroom, too.”

The MBCC program has a motto: “No challenge, no change.”

The PHI program went on for eight exhausting weeks but the ladies are graduating and are proud of their accomplishments.

“We get to celebrate these ladies, and it is beyond exciting,” said MBCC Physicians Assistant Corey Green.

All together the women lost around 80 pounds with one inmate, Jemima Sanchez, losing 20 pounds.

“It helped me out a lot,” Sanchez said. “When I started, I was 205 pounds. I’ve lost almost 20 pounds, and I can actually jog a whole mile now.”

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It’s no secret that prison can have a heavy toll on one’s self in many ways, but MBCC inmates found inspiration through starting PHI.

“PHI has given me great encouragement and inspiration to pick up the pieces where I fell off in here,” said Inmate Jamie Whiteeagle.

MBCC hopes the PHI program will give inspiration to other facilities statewide and continue to create a positive change for the inmates.

“It’s a movement, and I hope it spreads throughout all ODOC if that’s possible,” said Green. “They are a PHI-amily, and I love that.”

The recent graduates at MBCC will be able to participate in an advanced version of the PHI class and will also be able to serve as mentors for new students who join the program.

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