Prisoner denied medical care; no cleaning supplies; no covid-19 testing upon intake or release

From the moment I got to Santa Rita to the 12 hours later when I left, I did not have access to hand sanitizer or soap the entire time. I was kept in a 6″ by 12″ room with a bench, toilet, and fluorescent lights with as many as 5 other women in there at a time. Social distancing was literally impossible. Masks were provided but not enforced and multiple others who came into my holding cell spent the entire time in there (hours) without it on. 

We were not tested for COVID on intake or release. I was not provided food based on my dietary restrictions and the entire time I ate 1 orange and a few pieces of celery. As soon as I left I threw up. Guards repeatedly ignored my request for a nurse because I felt sick and needed medication the whole time.

We were not tested for COVID on intake or release. I was not provided food based on my dietary restrictions and the entire time I ate 1 orange and a few pieces of celery. As soon as I left I threw up. Guards repeatedly ignored my request for a nurse because I felt sick and needed medication the whole time. I finally got to see a nurse an hour before I left but she wouldn’t give me any medication because she said if she did I would need to stay there for 8 more hours for “observation”. She also said that since I had been “complaining” (asking for a nurse) I would be staying longer. A guard (M. Rios) pushed me back from the door when I asked her for a nurse. We were not given any blankets or pillows despite being detained through the night until 2 or 3am and the bright lights stayed on the whole time.

Learn how you can take action to demand more releases from Santa Rita to protect the health and safety of our community

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