This article deals with the efforts made in a fifteen-month period to provide mental health services in a large, antiquated, overcrowded prison system. The role of altered public sentiment engendered by recent prison riots and rising suicide rates in making available funding and personnel is discussed. The mental health services which are provided are described in detail as well as their relationship to the correction and criminal justice system. Plans for viable alternatives to the present system are discussed. The risk that such services can be a perpetuation of a nonfunctional system that prevents needed radical change is explored.