Letters to Legislators by F.G.

A few weeks ago, I gave the addresses of the state Senators to Inmate #1 and her husband. I also gave them the addresses for their local U.S. Representatives in their district. The recent posts that she was talking about involved the receipt of communication from one Senator and one Congressman. Thankfully they are investigating her concerns. We don't know what will come of it, if anything, but we all agreed that at least we have to try. Nothing gets done if no action is taken, and in the case of Inmate #1, there are multiple factors that need to be addressed.

How can they send people to a prison that is labeled as a Federal medical center that exists for the purpose of inmates with specific medical needs...yet they give these people poor advice, they prescribe the wrong medicines, or they withhold required medications that have been prescribed by doctors prior to sentencing??? And what kind of medical facility is not equipped to meet the needs of people who are on special diets, including Inmate #1's bariatric diet??

These ill-equipped medical facilities are expected in regular state prisons, but not in special Federal prisons that are labeled as medical facilities. Basic civil rights are being violated at both the state and Federal level in the United States prison system. While people are incarcerated as punishment for crimes, do they honestly deserve to eat child's portions of food, meat that is 90% fat, spoiled foods, food that comes from kitchens infested with rats and/or cockroaches, to live with visible mold, and to be prescribed the wrong medications? Prisoners are still humans.

Not every prisoner has committed a violent crime. And what about those who are innocent who are sitting in prison while waiting on appeals? Do innocent people deserve this inhumane treatment? Imagine your meal only offering 2 thin slices of roast beef that contain 90% fat and 10% edible meat, a piece of bread, and approximately 2 tablespoons of beans? Sounds really nutritious and satisfying, doesn't it??

Inmates are compensating for the loss of calories and proper nutrition by spending money once a week for commissary. Most are buying junk food like chips and candy just to sustain themselves. Inmate #1 purchases chips occasionally, but most of what she buys are items like oatmeal for breakfast, granola, nuts, and fruits. To the reader who doesn't know Inmate #1, this sounds great. However, bariatric patients need to eat 6 small meals a day. She still is not receiving the daily recommended caloric intake for a healthy body, even with her commissary purchases. The human body is fragile, and it needs proper nutrition and hydration to maintain good health.

Letters I Had to Sign For by Inmate #1

So I have 2 people who I have heard from. Congressman Darren Soto and Senator Bill Nelson. Nelson is the one who already contacted the BOP. The letter he sent me that I received today confirmed that. He stated he is in touch with the BOP to find out what is going on and will let me know. Soto sent me the forms which I need to return to obtain medical records and release information. I will send tomorrow. They have both reassured me it is the pleasure to help their constituents, etc. Pretty cool actually especially since it was so fast.

Update by F.G.

This is me, the moderator. I have been catching up on the blog, and although not all of the posts are in the exact order in which they were sent to me, I have still posted everything the 2 inmates have asked me to post. They also wanted me to post the positives along with the negatives. Although everything is mostly difficult for both inmates at FMC Carswell, there are a few bright spots worth mentioning. Of course, no prison situation is pleasant, but when health care is denied, botched, etc., the conditions of the facilities are breaking multiple OSHA violations, the health department would have a field day with Carswell, and they are serving turkey bacon that expired 2 years ago, then these basic human rights violations and health need to be exposed. FMC Carswell is supposedly a health care facility for Federal inmates, yet it is a diseased, mold-infested dive.

Something Good by Inmate #2

Had another visit with Dr Bollinger - on Thurs I got my heart medicine - and the week before I got my blood pressure medicine change to the medication I came in on. Now on Fri Dr Bollinger said I was qualified so he would email the powers that be to get me moved to the hospital building - I am excited and sad both. Inmate #1 and I have been talking about her going to camp and me going to CC5.

 

Things are beginning to move and it's about time. 134 days for simple healthcare is a little much but better late than never - I guess. 

Oh and the peanut shaped hole in the floor in the handicap stall in the bathroom now is shaped like the baby on the grinch - it's now a foot wide and about a foot or so long - the paint on top has been chipped off and it keeps growing. We'll see how long it takes to get THAT fixed.

Damn by Inmate #2

I was given a shot on Friday for the email I wrote I told you about. I was given 30 commissary restriction. Today - I am unable to get the forms necessary to appeal the penalty and I asked to see my case manager but I had to write a cop out - our unit officer said he was out and had to print some - that was hours ago and I just now have received the form.

Unfortunately 15 minutes ago the case manager left the building so I have no clue whether the restriction was total or if I am able to get non essential healthcare supplies -clothes, washing supplies, makeup, shampoo etc - that isn't going to help me because after having done inventory of my locker I have maybe enough supplies to get me through this week - so far I ate lunch today and will eat dinner tonight but then I am done until Thursday lunch.

It is against the rules to ask or accept help from my bunkies so this penalty literally endangers my health more than it is already. Today I am just short of 50 lbs lost in 132 days. On Friday the cardiologist ordered my heart medicine but as of this morning (11 am) it has not been signed off by my Primary care Dr - and he is out tomorrow again - 132 days today without heart meds or blood thinner. This place is crazier and crazier. I'm trying to hold it together - at least I know have the correct blood pressure meds. - It took 125 days.

On another note - today I asked the Health Services Administrator for an appointment to see about being moved over to the main bldg - I asked for Unit 5 - about 100 people +/- much quieter than where I am - we'll see where that goes. 

Irrational Behavior by Inmate #2

The BOP institution is an irrational organization - where they spend an ungodly amount of money on the staff and not even a bare minimum on the inmates. My tax dollars and yours go to maintaining staff offices with the high end accoutrements of running an office and the staff dining room with top of the line food. Where the inmate food is unhealthy, unstable or inconsistent and unreasonable portions where diet restricted people are given no choice but to starve if there is no protocol for their medical condition.

 

Then if you error in your following if the rules which is one of the unreasonable and irrational things I am talking about they restrict your ability to eat even more by as punishment restricting your commissary and according to my Case manager and Counselor it is going to be a complete ban for 30 days. So no chow line 15-16 of 21 meals a week. No wonder I have lost almost 50 lbs in 129 days. The irrational part is - they know the violations exist all over the unit but choose to ignore the others.

 

Like at count time - there is to be no leaving your room after a certain time (3:45 for evening count (which is supposed to be at 4) but when it is delayed there are certain people who can go do whatever they want - go to the bathroom, go to the hot water dispenser, go to the water fountain - or whatever and be out of their room but never get a shot.

 

One of these people actually walked by the guard just before counting (delaying counting because they waited for her to get back to her room - she does it EVERY count time) but they NEVER write her up. Yet AFTER count my bunkie had to go to the bathroom really bad - at least 15 people went to the restroom BEFORE she did and yet she got a shot for delaying count because they had to recount - 6 people got shots for that but the 3 on the 2nd floor didn't get shots and the 3 in the shower didn't get shots so again I say - their rule enforcement is irrational.

 

Guards are allowed to break the rules that are posted on the bulletin board in front of THEIR office. For example, the daytime guard will not let you sleep after he comes on duty. We get up, clean our room and most of the time go back to bed and cover up with 1 blanket (published rule) but everyday he comes in wakes you up and makes you get up even though your room is already clean. Writing up a guard only gets you retaliation.

 

There is much action on an inmates' part that is fruitless here. This institution is full of irrational behavior. 5 Dr recommendations are not enough to get a medication ( a necessary and life preserving medication) approved. The lack of medical care is extreme in some cases. Yet, the warehouses are full of high end staff and food supplies for staff but inmates cannot get good medical care or (and I won't say any because there are a few good ones) guards who are willing to enforce the rules across the boards to make time served here easy to understand and equal for all. 

Education Job by Inmate #1

So far so good! I work today and tomorrow from 730 to 330. There are breaks and callouts so it breaks up the day. I have about 90 minutes for lunch and I get to go early at 11! I also have a cool Education lanyard. There are only about 25 of us total so it makes me feel somewhat proud. The job seems like it will be challenging a little - way more than wiping tables or rolling silverware. I think it's a good fit.

 

So in addition to my regular stuff I need to do.. I have been tasked with two HUGE projects. This is based on my boss saying I was hired cause I seemed extremely good at organizing.. LOL - you think? One is a complete reorganization and cataloguing of our resource center materials and the second is I get to create an ACE class. ACE classes are the extra credit classes people can take about either fun stuff like Modern Marvels (yes they use the video series from the History channel) or practical like finances.

 

The class I am creating has to do with reentering the job force. I did not pick the material, I was handed a packet and told to create a curriculum. I think that is pretty cool. Also being in the education department, I am eligible to teach an upcoming ACE class. At least my time will be way more interesting than rolling silverware or sitting around for hours at a time.

 

I do get paid something stupid like .12 per hour or .25 - not sure what my pay grade is so it will help with commissary a little for the next few months HOWEVER in June and July - the government takes $25 of whatever I make to start paying restitution. It's in my paperwork.