Thread by @OJRCenter

We've joined with @OregonPSR to call for an independent investigation by legislators into the recent wildfire evacuations from #Oregon prisons. Our newsletter has more details, or read this thread to learn what incarcerated Oregonians experienced. mailchi.mp/ojrc/vvvg4fytj… #orpol

All of these examples came from incarcerated people and their loved ones, and we heard similar accounts from many people. 1) Women evacuees not getting regular or adequate food and drink, e.g. one woman reported receiving only a peanut butter sandwich in a 29-hour period.

2) At the Oregon State Penitentiary, limited access to toilets, mixed with prison politics making access harder for some. Individuals were passing out because they did not want to drink water because they could not access the bathrooms.

3) Lack of bathroom breaks and rest stops. Some women forced to urinate on themselves. Some who had their periods bled through their clothes. Some told they could urinate outside in full view of the correctional officers and anyone who passed by. Reports women vomited on the bus.

4) Not everyone who needed it received their prescribed/regular medications. Some did receive but not reliably or not as expected. Lack of access to clean clothing, showers, and toiletries.

5) At Oregon State Penitentiary, extremely cramped living conditions that were unhygienic and in circumstances that made it difficult to sleep (the lights were kept on 24 hours day).

This is just a small selection of what we heard. Prisoner rights are human rights. How Oregon treats people in its care and custody defines us as a state. Let's learn from what went wrong and make sure it doesn't happen again when the next crisis hits.