As I have journaled about previously, I am recovering from a severe fracture to my left ankle. I broke my ankle from my tibia all the way to the fibia and spent 10.5 weeks in a cast, wheelchair bound. I just recently was taken out of the cast and given a brace to wear. I cannot begin to tell you the joy that comes from being able to walk after not being able to use my legs for a long period of time.
With that being said, Medical care at the BOP is in desperate need of reform. If an inmate is seen, the bare minimum is done. Covid is running wild around this compound right now, with a large number of the inmate population sick with it. The ones that are going to medical to be seen are being sent to the SHU (Special housing unit) to be quarantined. the rest of us are “sticking it out in silence” too afraid to be sent to the shu. the staff walk around with cans of Lysol and bleach wearing masks, however, inmates are unable to have any real disinfecting tools and are not allowed to wear masks to protect themselves.
I have started to write things up using the administrative remedies here at the prison. I know that I am just one person, but hopefully my voice will help to make some sort of change. Just because a person makes a mistake does not disqualify them from accurate medical care. We need to do more. There are many inmates here who are elderly and immune compromised. It is our job to call out the BOP and require them to do more. To put the health of the inmates first. We need support. I hope that by raising awareness through this website and others when I release, I will be able to help make a difference for those inmates who’s lives are forever in the BOP’s hands.
