#JusticeJuly Call to Action

Script (feel free to personalize) I am emailing because I have been made aware of appalling conditions at Bedford Hills Prison, where you have denied those incarcerated at your prison access to basic necessities including: adequate food portions, personal protective equipment, and comprehensive medical care. Those who have tested positive for COVID-19 have been denied communication with loved ones outside of the facility, given little to no information on how to heal from the virus, and faced medical abuse and neglect from your staff. Prisons were a public health crisis before this pandemic began, a reality only made worse as your policies threaten the safety and wellbeing of those incarcerated at your prison. While you work to release everyone, I call on you to meet the demands of people incarcerated at Bedford Hills: Stop holding people in solitary confinement-like conditions; give incarcerated people freedom of movement Allow incarcerated people to protect themselves from infection, use masks, self determined showering and handwashing, and avoid outside work, with no retaliation or punishment Provide full and free access to laundry, phones, tablets, package room, commissary, soap, sanitizer, hygiene products, hot water, mail, and video visits. NO price gouging or garnishing commissary Provide full medical policy transparency, accurate information to incarcerated people about COVID-19 and prevention. Non-coercive testing and treatment, NO retaliation or abuse for those who test positive for the virus. Provide full and free access to food that meets everyone’s nutritional needs.