We're in the midst of a national state of emergency and a pandemic due to COVID-19.  The death count is climbing by the day, as are new cases of the virus.  Imagine not being able to call your loved ones or being completely cut off from all means of communication during one of the biggest crises many of us have ever witnessed in our lives.

Michigan inmates on sanction or "loss of privileges" (LOP) are restricted from all means of communication aside from handwritten letters amid the duration of the said sanction.  Michigan prisons are currently under quarantine for flu outbreaks and all outside visits are currently banned/restricted.  These inmates have no means of discerning whether their loved ones are alive, sick or dead during this national state of emergency. Their loved ones on the outside are likewise limited in being able to ascertain news on the well-being of their inmate inside.  A handwritten letter takes days to make its way through the mail system, during which any number of aspects could rapidly change.  

Michigan prisons are refusing to allow inmates on LOP/sanction even one phone call to contact loved ones during this time.  In a crisis such as this, having the ability to communicate or reach out to friends and family is crucial AND a HUMAN RIGHT!  Tell governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Corrections to lift the "no contact" restrictions on MDOC inmates on sanction/LOP during this national state of emergency!