"Are you safe?" is the most asked question that I receive. The simple answer is that I am quite safe and do not ever feel as though I am in any danger. If a situation should arise, the prison has protocols and resources for us to report or reach out for help. During our orientation to prison, we learn about all the protocols to reach out for help. Besides physical safety, mental/emotional and health safety services are provided. I know that people often have a preconceptions about poor medical services offered at a prison, and to some extent this reputation must have some validity to it.
The Health Services department at Morgantown is a stand alone building that offers a vast array of medical support: x-rays, eye exams, regular physicals, pharmaceutical distribution, blood laboratory, etc. I have seen quite a few men treated for diabetes, high blood pressure, heart diseases, and physical injuries. For emergencies, we are able to report to the health services area at any time. For the average sickness, we have to report to the building between 6:45 am until 7:00 am Monday through Friday. Of course I have unanswered questions about being sick midway through the day or on weekends, but I have yet to find a definitive answer.
From my experience, the Health Services department has been utterly disappointing. I had a brief physical and interview when I arrived. I was asked standard health questions, but it was obvious that my medical history was not reviewed or considered during this initial (and only) visit. Per my attorney's recommendation, I arrived at Morgantown with a copy of my medical records since I have two pre-existing conditions: chronic fatigue and a neuro syncope that drops my heart rate (basically I just pass out or feel extremely light headed on a given whim). Prior to prison, I had been in an NIH study for the chronic fatigue and had undergone several tests and consultations for my heart and the passing out events. Recently, I had a specialist independently verify my health concerns and make very clear statements about treatment and responses for my health.
When I was sentenced, this information was shared with my judge, who commented that "everyone has health issues," but she would make sure to note that the prison system would be made aware of my situation. Upon my arrival at Morgantown, it was clear that either health services was not aware of the situation or just neglected to review my medical history. I was disheartened being rudely ignored by Health Services representatives whenever I would mention my prior conditions, especially in an email.
For over 5 months, I have sent formal requests for a medical appointment with the doctor or someone of competence to review my record. After one month of not receiving a response, I kept following up. Finally, I received a response to submit medical records since they did not appear to have any on file. I took my copy of the records and gave them personally to the medical records coordinator, who said that she would scan them and notify my assigned physician assistant to review them and follow-up with me. Again, after a month, I had not heard back and followed up with an inquiry. The inquiry was ignored, then I followed-up again and again. Finally, I received the generic response of "if you need to see a provider, then come to sick-call during the morning hours" (ahem, you mean 15 minutes not hours).
To date, I have been managing my health as best as I am able by having plenty of rest and maintaining a healthy balance of food and increased sodium (which I might be the one guy on the campus that has this requirement in their health record). My health records have not been returned. I have not heard back from any provider. And my health situation remains unmonitored by a medical professional. I share all information to give a better sense of the culture of the Health Services department from my experience as a typical inmate. I am sure that some of the providers here actually care about us, but for the most part, it is a laboring task to obtain support. For example, one guy had injured his kneecap, but he was just instructed to report back to the X-ray area once the technician returned from a two week hiatus. The guy was just given crutches and some extra-strength aspirin - week after week, I observed him struggling around campus in a lot of pain. While they may not be paying attention to request and immediate injuries, Health Services providers will review receipts of what inmates buy from the commissary and give them a hassle if they are eating sodium-rich or sugary items. Yet, when I make a simple request for an appointment, I am met with deafening silence or idiotic replies. I will continue to seek assistance, and I know eventually I will be successful. In all fairness, I have met with the phlebotomist, a nurse, and the vaccine provider who were both delightful and respectful individuals. I hope that my file just has been mismarked, since I cannot understand how someone requesting medical need is simply dismissed. Should my situation change, I will certainly blog about it.
While the first few days of May have been quite rainy and cold here, I am ecstatic that April is over, especially after the deaths of my two beloved friends, Fr. Krizner and Wayne Owen. April was special for me (the little miracles)...I heard from a friend that I have not heard from in quite sometime - we were able to reconnect and he knows of another inmate here in Morgantown. It was a month full of weekend visits from a dear friend, Dr. Anderson, who ventured from Cleveland just visit me - this humbles me so much. Also, my parents visited again (my mom has been 4 times and my dad 3 times - I am grateful that they even want to make the long drives just for 2-3 hours). Also, Drew made his second visit here, which is always a highlight for me! It re-energized me after the emotional turmoil of the month. Also on a positive, my sister made her half century debut of life on this planet, followed by my nephew turning 16 (and my other nephew turned 21 recently). I am saddened to miss these monumental celebrations, but I am constantly reminded that my stint in Morgantown is temporary!
The other notable event in my life this week was that I started teaching the resume and interview class. It is a rambunctious group of guys, but nothing that I can't handle. I wish you all amazing week - thank you for the continued support and love - please continue to look for the little miracles that occur in your life! 🙂