To Whom it may concern:
I would like to briefly express my concern about the COVID-19 virus and the dangers of being in the prison system which was not prepared to deal with it.
I am 64 1/2 years old and have been incarcerated for 23 1/2 years for an alleged robbery. I have been denied geriatric parole four times, with the last reason being absolutely false. I have some medical issues, including cardiac problems, which includes a heart stent. DOC put out a memo on April 1, 2020 requiring all inmates to wear “state made” masks, which have no ventilation. This memo was written without any thoughts to inmates with medial issues, such as myself, who has breathing problems, which is also why the stent was initially place din my heart. Then when I refused to wear a mask, because of concerns for my health, I was given a disciplinary charge. The staff doesn’t use common sense, not realizing that this is not a “one fits all” memo. I just saw on “GMA” this morning that experts said that people with lung and cardiac problems should consult with a doctor before wearing masks.
I was at Deerfield Correctional Center for two years before coming back here last April. As we all know there has been a large outbreak of the virus, which is very concerning because it is mainly older and sickly inmates. As such it is almost a death sentence for many. I left there last year because it was so crowded and so much sickness there. So I can only imagine how it is now that this virus has hit.
I have family, including my 90 year old mother who is waiting for me to come home. I would be a big help to her, especially during these serious times.
Even at this small facility here, it is still scary because we are forced into “one man cell” with two inmates. They claim to be keeping us separated, however that is far from the truth. Once an outbreak occurs in a place like this, it is sure to rapidly spread. For many of us, it is a certain death sentence. Of course, I wasn’t sentence do death. However, sometimes I wonder if that’s not what the system is hoping for instead of releasing me.
I have been up for geriatric parole four times, and now also eligible for the so-called “Fishback”. Prayerfully they will quickly get many of us out of the system, and also others who should be released especially during this emergency. Otherwise, I am afraid this may be a possible death sentence for many of us.