Ask Governor Bullock to Stop the Spread of COVID-19 in Montana’s Jails & Prisons
TAKE ACTION NOW
The COVID-19 pandemic is impacting all of our lives. As we navigate this public health crisis, we cannot forget about some of the most vulnerable people among us.
People in Montana’s prisons and jails are uniquely vulnerable to COVID-19.
The three things that public health experts say will save lives – distance, adequate hygiene, and good medical care – are unavailable to incarcerated people. Without swift action, people in our prisons and jails will be serving death sentences. Moreover, research shows that jails contribute to infectious disease deaths in the broader community. In other words, if COVID-19 spreads in prisons and jails, it is more likely to spread everywhere.
It’s the state’s responsibility to make sure COVID-19 doesn’t take over prisons and jails like wildfire, putting at risk not only those incarcerated but also correctional officers and medical staff – and their families and communities when they leave work each day and return home.
To flatten the curve, ensure that our health care systems can function, and save as many lives as possible, Governor Bullock and other state and local officials must take swift action NOW. Governor Bullock issued a directive on April 1, 2020, but it is not enough. Time is running out.
Here are two things you can do NOW!
CALL AND/OR EMAIL GOVERNOR BULLOCK TO TELL HIM HE MUST DO MORE
- Call him at 406-444-3111 or toll free at 855-318-1330. Ask him to (1) issue an executive order immediately to reduce prison and jail populations and lessen the spread of COVID-19, and (2) lead a coordinated, statewide, criminal legal system response to keep all of us safe during this crisis.
- Email the governor today!
CALL YOUR LOCAL LEADERS
Want to take further action? Call your county commissioners, city council people, and county attorneys, and tell them to do everything they can to slow the spread of COVID-19 in jails and prisons.
Now more than ever, we cannot forget the people incarcerated by our broken criminal justice system. This is life or death.
Message Recipients:
Governor Bullock
