The racial disparities in the country's prisons systems are well documented, particularly with regard to the disproportionate amount of incarcerated Black Americans. But the challenges they -- and their families -- face extend far outside cell walls.

That's where Shawanna Vaughn comes in.

Vaughn focuses on helping people deal with what she calls "Post Traumatic Prison Disorder" (PTPD).  The Harlem activist is the founder and director of Silent Cry, an organization that advocates for those dealing with the after-effects of incarceration as well as gun violence.

"They wanted me to be a forgotten number," Vaughn says.

Vaughn was born in prison, and 17 years later, was incarcerated herself.

“As I got out – I realized the residuals of prison are a life-long suffering. And I’ve been out here on the front lines -- fighting the good fight -- but silently suffering," she says.

That fight takes shape in a bill called "Post Traumatic Prison Disorder Shawanna W76337 Act."  It is now in the state legislature. The bill seeks mental health care for formerly incarcerated persons.

"If we don’t help those who are hurting, we don’t help correct what’s going on -- when they transition back into society, we can end up starting the process all over again and we know what the recidivism rates are unacceptable,” says Harlem State Senator Brian Benjamin, one of the PTPD bill's key sponsors.

If passed, the legislation would require the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision to developed individualized rehabilitation and accountability plans for every individual released.

For more information, visit silentcryinc.godaddysites.com.