Mandela Day Reminds Us of NC’s Need to Address Inhumane Solitary Confinement Practices – July 18 is Nelson Mandela Day. In honor of Mandela’s legacy, Interim ED Deby Dihoff takes a hard look at North Carolina’s use of solitary confinement in the prison system. This damaging practice leads to greater occurrences of mental illness, opioid use, and suicide among the previously incarcerated. Read more to find out how North Carolina can follow the example of other states to reform or eliminate solitary confinement.