I am a parent alarmed and dismayed at the unacceptable conditions that my son-in-law, along with many other inmates at Westville Prison, are forced to live in. This personal story underscores that this is more than just about policy, but about real people whose lives are affected by deplorable living conditions every day.

Conditions at Westville are not only uncomfortable, they are unsafe and harmful to the physical and mental health of the inmates. Basic necessities such as intact windows and access to hot water are consistently overlooked. Broken windows are routinely ignored instead of being repaired, exposing inmates to harsh weather conditions. Lack of hot water has serious implications for hygiene and overall wellbeing. A report by the Correctional Association of New York in 2016 found that sanitary conditions in prisons directly contribute to the spread of diseases (source: CAN_Y report, 2016).

An even more grave issue at Westville Prison is the presence of asbestos throughout the facility. Asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma are direct results of asbestos exposure. The World Health Organization declared all types of asbestos as carcinogenic to humans (source: WHO, 2014) and yet it continues to be a looming threat that has been ignored for years at Westville.

The prevalent problems at this correctional facility are not due to a lack of funds. Fines are levied but the money collected is not invested in tackling the aforementioned issues, but rather seems to be absorbed into other non-transparent expenditures. This must not persist.

We urge the authorities at Westville Prison to prioritize the welfare of its inmates by providing safe, healthy, and humane living conditions. It is about time that funds of fines are diverted to address these life-threatening problems within the prison. Ongoing neglect can no longer be an option.

We implore you to join us in demanding improved living conditions for Westville Prison. Sign this petition today.