It is deeply personal and alarming to recount that since the beginning of this crisis in December 2022, over sixty people have been exposed to harmful materials and suffered substantial negative health effects in Illinois correctional facilities. Among them are both officers and the incarcerated, causing great worry within their families.

To date - the following incidents are known to the public:

1/8/23
Graham Correctional Facility
Mass exposure event
17 staff affected

9/2/24
Thompson Correctional Facility
Unknown exposure event
Unknown affected

9/9/24
Menard Correctional Center
Mass exposure event 
6 officers affected

9/10/24
Pinckneyville Correctional Center
Exposure incident
1 officer transported to ED

9/11/24
Illinois River Correctional Facility
Exposure incident
1 staff affected

9/11/24
Pinckneyville Correctional Center
Exposure incident
2 officers treated w/ NARCAN

9/12/24
Pinckneyville Correctional Center
Exposure incident
1 staff transported to ED

9/21/24
Shawnee Correctional Center 
Mass exposure event
5 staff exposed and transported to ED

Unpredictable and deadly, these materials have been found contained in physical mail, and have been linked to numerous cases of overdoses and hazardous material exposure. This situation not only endangers the lives of those incarcerated, but also the workers that dutifully keep these facilities operating.

The safety of everyone in these institutions is paramount, and therefore it is of utmost importance that an immediate stop be put to all physical, paper mail to all Illinois correctional facilities, until the sources of these harmful substances are thoroughly investigated and blocked.

This action will afford the necessary time and space to ensure that structures are in place to prevent such crises from recurring in the future. It is essential that every letter be confirmed safe to come into contact with individuals, taking preventative measures to protect the most vulnerable in our society.

These are not just words, but a plea for the safety and lives of our loved ones, families, friends, and colleagues. The Illinois government must step in now before further harm is done.

No friend or family member should live in fear for their loved one's safety within Illinois correctional facilities, and no individual should be subjected to such risks. It's time to stop the hazards at the source and protect our community. We implore you, therefore, to sign this important petition.