Following three recent deaths at Michigan’s only prison for women, U.S. Rep Debbie Dingell is calling on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and other state leaders to explain what they’re doing to improve the “alarming” conditions there.
In a letter dated Monday and addressed to Whitmer, the Ann Arbor Democrat called on the state to fully publicize any studies, inspections or reports about the toxic mold and other health and safety issues at Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility near Ypsilanti. Three inmates at the facility have died in the past month, the state reported last week.
“Concerns have been raised repeatedly by women in custody, their families, advocates, attorneys, medical professionals, and the public,” Dingell wrote. “Too many continue to report that the underlying problems remain unsolved.”
A spokesperson for the Michigan Department of Corrections didn’t immediately return a message seeking comment.
“The health and safety of those under MDOC’s supervision must always be their top priority,” Whitmer’s office said in a statement. “The governor has directed MDOC to conduct a swift, thorough, and transparent investigation.
“This process will include a careful assessment by an independent medical examiner,” the statement said. “When this process is complete, we will release the results of the investigation. Families deserve to have the answers they need during the grieving process.”
Inmate Khaira Howard, 28, died May 14 in a medical observation cell at the prison. Rebecca Fackler, 57, died three days later. Both were denied medical care at the prison, according to attorneys handling civil cases for the women’s loved ones.
On Saturday morning, 36-year-old Ashley Hoath died after she was transferred to a nearby hospital from the prison’s medical unit, MDOC said.
Health and safety issues that Dingell said have long been a concern at Women’s Huron Valley have come to a head in recent months. In February, a state House oversight committee heard testimony from prisoners, advocates and former staff about pervasive mold, lack of medical care and mistreatment by staff, including employees betting on whether or not inmates there would commit suicide.
“I’ve visited the facility for hours and spoken directly with women who are terrified for their well-being,” Dingell wrote. “Their concerns – and the concerns of the broader community – remain unaddressed, and public confidence in the facility has plummeted.”
Citing recent deaths at state prisons, including the women’s facility, 30 state legislators signed a letter last month calling for the resignation of MDOC Director Heidi Washington.
After Hoath died last week, Washington said the department is “working aggressively to investigate the circumstances that led up to Ms. Hoath being sent to the hospital.”
Dingell requested that state officials answer her questions by June 19. Among them are:
mreinhart@detroitnews.com
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: U.S. Rep. Dingell wants answers after 3 deaths at women’s prison
Reporting by Max Reinhart, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Max Reinhart, The Detroit News | USA TODAY Network
