Problem
We are a body of concerned citizens , some of which have Loved One's in the Arkansas prison system . We want change for those incarcerated in these prisons , we respectfully ask of the Arkansas Senate to look into the following issues immediately and find solutions and stop making promises for reform .

First and foremost , prison should not be privatized .Private companies will charge the state for every bed or empty or not which will cause the incarceration rate to go up.
The cruel inhumane acts forced upon inmates are unbelievable . It's freezing outside at night and some Units still have not turned on heat .

Some inmates are denied dialysis, medicine, and therapy they have been prescribed by outside Doctors . Ice can help with dehydration for those who are on a liquid restricted diet, and while undergoing dialysis treatment. This is being denied to inmates citing that this is a luxury and cannot be afforded unless a standing order from an outside Doctor sends a prescription . The prescriptions run out before the Unit makes another appointment , to refill , not only for ICE but medicines .
Inmates who are on chronic care are denied proper medications. Such as insulin increases or even certain types of insulin.

Commissary choices need to offer healthier options for those who have medical conditions. Diabetics have very slim choices that aren’t loaded with carbohydrates and sugar. Those who suffer from high blood pressure should have more “lower sodium” choices as well. Those on renal failure diets have to beg for their dietary needs to be met , or starve .

Mattresses are so thin the coils from the bed frames leave marks on inmate’s backs , they barely have blankets to keep warm. Some go without proper clothing due to the high prices of the commissary increases. Prices for commissary and phone calls have gone up. It's all families can do to support their loved ones , and still be in contact with them.

Grimes Unit has holes in the roof where water comes into
the gym area. Tucker has holes in the roof where water pools on the floor in the housing units. Varner’s kitchen is roach infested. They are living in the bread maker’s motor area and baked cockroaches have been found in bread served to inmates.

Yard time for the inmates is critical. We all need some fresh air and sunshine, however it appears not be an option other than a few times a year at some facilities.

Religious freedoms are infringed upon , there are Chaplains whom change rules about rights as freely as they wish . What is acceptable today may not be tomorrow .

Retaliation is by far one of the worst things an inmate goes through . if they have no family they keep in contact with , that inmate is abused , used , and may die at the hands of a guard because he has had a bad day .

Inmates are dying from drugs being brought into the facilities, yet ADC turns a blind eye. They want to blame visitors for bringing it in. Who would bring in something and give it to their loved one knowing it is killing people? This doesn’t make
sense.

Families are being extorted for money to “keep their inmates safe” however, when brought to ADC’s attention the victim is retaliated against. People are afraid to come forward with their concerns and problems because their Loved one's suffer retaliation .







Solution
As people of the United States , advocates and family members of incarcerated loved ones, we are asking our legislators to please look into the current practices. At a meeting in June 2018 Wendy Kelley made it obvious that ADC’s only issue
is under staffing, she must be either blind to what goes on or she just doesn’t care and I am not sure that she should continue over ADC. We are asking our legislators to stand up and investigate these allegations and make changes where they are necessary. It is time Arkansas step up and do what’s right for every Arkansan, not just the ones who can vote to put you in the seat you are in today. We elected you to make change and here is a great opportunity where change is greatly needed.  ( Written by  Debbie Leach-Holt Inmate Support Arkansas , I endorse this verbiage )

Personal story
My name is Anna Ayres and I have a son in a prison in Malvern Arkansas , the medical unit . He has stage 4 renal failure . First and foremost , my son was wrongfully convicted of a crime he didn't commit , but was forced to confess to . He spent days in Saline County being beaten , raped , and starved to make a confession . He was threatened that his family would be killed brutally if he didn't confess . My son has mental issues and he has fought his entire 15 years of this wrongful imprisonment . I fight along side of him in this battle . When he calls me to tell me the latest issues he is having , I call the Prison first , if nothing happens I call the Governors office and " try " to speak to Wendy Kelley , I've yet to get her on the phone , its always an assistant , and I've called hundreds of times . My son then is retaliated on . Guards and even Wardens have taunted him , ridiculed him and provoked him to fight back , sometimes with physical harm done to him . He has been refused treatments , his dialysis , he has been spoken to like an animal by nurses , called a monster . I have spoken to Mental health , Ms McNutt has spoken down to me and tells me there is nothing wrong with my son , yet when he is feeling suicidal has been given  a fact sheet pulled off the internet to help with teens to cope with " feelings " , he is told to read that and calm himself . When I confront Ms McNutt about this type of treatment , she has told me that my overwhelming guilt feelings should be treated . her supervisor will not even respond to my calls when this has occurred . I've called to speak to Chaplains and was told once to consult my Crystal Ball to find out how my son is doing , after a surgery to his hand . I love my son and one day he will be free from the torture this institution has put upon him . Whether by death or his innocence being finally proven . Either way , I will fight for him till my last breath or his .