*Covid Vaccination and Corrections Staff

In March 2020, the COVID-19 virus swept through the Macomb Correctional Facility (MRF), infecting hundreds of the most vulnerable.

By July 2020, nearly all Michigan correctional facilities were placed on lockdown status. The Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) suspended all rehabilitation programs, educational programs, visitation, and volunteers indefinitely at all facilities.

Only corrections officials were allowed to enter prisons.

By December 2020, the COVID-19 infection rate among Michigan prisoners surpassed 90 percent with over 160 reported deaths (deaths in prisons may be higher since state officials under reported deaths in nursing homes).

Based on guidelines from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Michigan Department of Health, and the MDOC Acting Chief Medical Officer (ACMO), lockdowns were implemented to allegedly protect prisoners from contracting COVID-19, spreading COVID-19, and potentially dying from COVID-19.

The lockdowns had little effect on preventing the spread of this highly contagious virus in facilities housing double the inmate population originally designed to hold.

Living in such congested housing units makes it impossible for prisoners to social distance and to maintain a clean and sanitary environment.

However, mandating all corrections officials to be vaccinated will significantly reduce the risk of COVID-19 infecting and potentially killing the most vulnerable: prisoners.

Mandating all corrections officials to vaccinate is the best preventive measure Governor Gretchen Whitmer and MDOC Director Heidi Washington can implement to protect Michigan prisoners from contracting the virus, spreading the virus, and potentially dying from the virus.

Based on COVID-19 research, the CDC warns the virus spreads at a higher rate indoors. So why would Governor Whitmer and Director Washington believe keeping prisoners indoors and double-bunked to be the best preventive measure to protect prisoners from contracting COVID-19 and possibly dying?

During the late 1980s and early 1990s, the MDOC started double bunking prisoners in cells designed for one person.

Prisons built to house 700 prisoners were now housing 1,400. As the prison population grew during the tough-on-crime era of the 1990s, so did Michigan’s corrections budget.

Over the next decade, elected officials sought ways to reduce the corrections budget.

Cleaning supplies were cut, toilet paper was cut, programs were cut, and community placement centers were cut.

Doubling the prison population and reducing cleaning supplies created an ideal environment for viruses and bacteria to develop and spread. The MDOC saw an increase in cases of influenza, tuberculosis, staph infection, norovirus, scabies, chickenpox, and shingles.

With no end in sight, COVID-19 infections will continue to rise and fall in Michigan as new variants develop around the world.

With prisoners being one of the most vulnerable populations in Michigan, shouldn’t Governor Whitmer and Director Washington follow the science and mandate all corrections officials to be vaccinated before entering facilities to reduce the risk of infecting prisoners who already live in overcrowded housing units and who cannot socially distance?

Jamie Meade (#232516) is housed at the Macomb Correctional Facility, 34625 26 Mile Rd., Lenox Township, MI 48048.

Jamie has a Bachelors in Interdisciplinary Studies with concentrations in Criminal Justice and Legal Studies from Adams State University. Jamie is a Member in Discernment with the United Church of Christ Michigan Conference Covenant Association Committee on Ministry on a path to Ordained Ministry. Jamie is currently earning a Master of Divinity degree at the Chicago Theological Seminary. Jamie sits on the Legislative Committee and is an Advisor and Inside Director for The Adolescent Redemption Project. Jamie is also the Internal State Director and National Resource Director for the National Lifers of America.

 Jamie can be reached through email messaging at www.JPay.com.