Medical Treatment — Ask the Inmate
Incarcerated people have a constitutional right to adequate medical care under the Eighth Amendment prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment. In practice, the quality of medical care varies significantly across facilities and the gap between what the law requires and what inmates actually receive can be substantial. This section covers how medical care works inside federal and state facilities, how to request medical attention, what to do when medical needs are ignored or inadequately addressed, how to get medications approved and delivered to an incarcerated loved one, and what legal options exist when medical care falls below constitutional standards. The questions answered here come from families who are watching a loved one's health deteriorate inside and from inmates trying to navigate a system that does not always prioritize their well-being. Advocacy from the outside matters and this section explains how to exercise it effectively. See also our sections on Prison Discipline and Emergencies and Natural Disasters.
Mental health services in correctional facilities vary enormously depending on whether the facility is federal, state, or county, and the resources available at that specific institution. The honest answer is that the quality ranges from genuinely adequate to severely lacking, and getting access to what exists often requires the inmate to advocate for themselves. Federal facilities generally have the most comprehensive mental health infrastructure of any correctional system. The Bureau of Prisons employs licensed psychologists and social workers at
Read moreWe would suggest calling the facility and asking to speak with a lieutenant or counselor to "ask politely and respectfully" if they are aware of the medication your husband must remain on. Using a very humble tone, seek out your information and you will easily get there. Caution, don't "demand" anything, ask nicely, use please and thank you. They are human beings with feelings, they will want to help you.
Read moreNot necessarily. But if you are in contact with your inmate and haven't heard from them and suspect something, you should DEFINITELY call the facility and ask to speak to the counselor or unit team secretary. They will tell you if your inmate has become ill.
Read moreThe prisons get a bad rap as it relates to care and compassion. They give the minimum requisite attention, mindful that it's not the top tier care, but it is realistic and humane considering it is paid for by the government. Comparing it to the food, which most inmates would complain about, has the nutritional value but lacks flavor. They are getting enough to sustain them but very little extras.
Read moreNo. The medical procedure will take place in a hospital under guard. When he is released from the hospital, he'll be transported to his current facility and do rehab there. They will have him on work restriction or whatever the doctor orders. But no one gets released for medical reasons unless they are in hospice.
Read moreYes, eyeglasses are permitted in every classification of prison and/or jail. Just be sure to disclose that you are bringing them so that they do not see you passing the inmate something which is certain to cause a big ruckus.
Read moreThe federal system will allow the prostetic leg. We cannot find a state system that disallows prostetic limbs, and unless there are come county jails out there that prohibit it for some archane reason will don't see it as a problem. The only thing they will NOT allow is a toupee.
Read moreThis depends on where they are incarcerated. The federal system is by far the best for medical attention and the state system is adequate... but the rule of thumb is to "not get sick", unfortunately that is easier said than done but it is minimal attention at best. Most facilities will charge the inmate some sort of fee for medical attention that is taken from the inmate's commissary account. If they are indigent, then the state or feds will pick
Read morecall the warden or the chaplain at the facility, if that fails, call your congressman, if that fails take your story to the press
Read moreContact lens or glasses are permitted in federal prison. He can buy reading glasses and "artificial tears" which would act as the solution for the contacts, at the commissary if you go that route. If you know his approximate size just guess and get something that is durable and scratch proof.
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