Thread by @FWDus

THREAD

NEW tool shares stories of individuals impacted by the criminal justice system & the #coronavirus. Over 100,000 people have died in the U.S. because of #COVID19 — and people in the CJ system are especially at risk. Read their stories. #FreeAndSafe fwd.us/criminal-justi…

The impact of coronavirus on individuals who are involved in the criminal justice system is devastating and worsens existing consequences. This impact extends to their families and to communities. Nearly half of the adults in America have had a family member incarcerated.

America’s system of mass incarceration makes us all less safe, especially during a pandemic. Jails and prisons are never safe places but the #coronavirus pandemic heightens the risk because social distancing is impossible in these institutions.

Incarcerated people can’t live, eat, or exercise in safety. They don’t have access to necessary hygiene and cleaning supplies, and lack basic medical care. Nearly 50,000 incarcerated people have tested positive and over 500 have died from the virus.

And it is Black people who are especially vulnerable. Black people are imprisoned at 6X the rate of white people in the US. High rates of infection & death among Black people are made higher as public officials fail to slow the spread of #coronavirus through US jails & prisons.

See the faces and read the stories of those who have #COVID19 behind bars, have passed away, are still fighting for release, and are navigating the criminal justice system in the community during this pandemic. #FreeAndSafe FWD.us/FreeAndSafe

William was awaiting cancer treatment at Cook County Jail when he died of #coronavirus complications. He died just a few days before he was scheduled for a new bail hearing to reevaluate release due to his health issues. chicago.suntimes.com/coronavirus/20…

William's mother said she wished he was allowed to leave jail, so she could have seen him before he died. Because of his infection, she was not allowed to visit him. She had "many wonderful memories" with her son.

Tiffany died in prison from #coronavirus complications after begging to be let out of a locked shower. There was no call button & Tiffany yelled to alert staff when she had difficulty breathing.

Tiffany passed out minutes later & remained non-responsive. theintercept.com/2020/05/11/new…

Tiffany had just been moved back to solitary confinement from the infirmary despite continuing to exhibit #coronavirus symptoms. At the time of her death, Tiffany was nearing the end of a five-year sentence. She had three children and four grandchildren.

Friends remembered Tiffany on social media as "the life of the party" and a "neighborhood hero." Her daughter wrote that she was "very big on family" and helped others "get through their time away from their family."

Sign this petition in Tiffany’s name and urge New Jersey lawmakers to take action to address inhumane conditions in their state’s prison system: sign.moveon.org/petitions/njdo…

Tammie was granted parole, but she is currently stuck in a TX prison waiting to go home b/c officials won’t release her until she completes a 6 month pre-release program. But she can't finish the program b/c classes were suspended due to #coronavirus. themarshallproject.org/2020/05/06/a-d…

Tammie is one of more than 15,000 people in Texas who have been granted parole but still can’t go home.

Virginia’s incarcerated daughter is 19-yrs old w/ asthma who recently gave birth. After giving birth in a hospital, Virginia's daughter & newborn granddaughter were returned to Bedford Hills Correctional Facility where there are dozens of #COVID19 cases. theguardian.com/us-news/2020/m…

Because of the #coronavirus crisis, Virginia’s family won’t be able to visit their daughter and newborn granddaughter for at least another month. Virginia’s husband wasn’t allowed to see his granddaughter.

Jeremy's driver’s license was suspended for unpaid fines and fees. He is unemployed and lives with his wife in their camper. Jeremy’s wife has serious medical conditions that place her at increased risk for #coronavirus including lung disease & diabetes. themarshallproject.org/2020/04/17/cou…

Jeremy’s license suspension means he can’t drive at all, including taking his wife to any of her doctor appointments. Driving with a suspended license could get their car seized or land Jeremy in jail.

Over 100,000 people have died in the U.S. because of #COVID19 — and people in the CJ system are especially at risk. People should be #FreeAndSafe. Read and share their stories. FWD.us/FreeAndSafe