It's never easy

Two significant events for HFP yesterday! And two frustrating stories about how Michigan treats prisoners, young and old.

FIRST, we are pleased to report that a mentally challenged juvenile has been released from the Michigan prison system, so that he can get proper treatment and care: something that was not happening in prison! This came about because of the determination of a mother who worked around the clock on behalf of her son!

But, just three days before he was released, his mother learned that MDOC healthcare people were trying to administer this lad a psychotropic drug THREE TIMES A DAY...a drug that he hasn't taken in about a year! He wisely refused to take it.

His mother informs us the young man is now free of MDOC health care!

SECOND, I testified in a Michigan Parole Board public hearing yesterday on behalf of a critically ill, 55 year old prisoner who is dying. He now weighs 85 pounds, is losing weight at the rate of one pound per week, and suffered pain spasms so severe that the session had to be interrupted several times. His family and HFP are trying to get him into a VA hospital for his final days of treatment and care.

But, Assistant Attorney General Thomas Kulick said the State opposed the medical commutation, taking the position that the crime victims would be traumatized to hear that this dangerous criminal (failed armed robbery over 20 years ago) was being freed. Kulick contended that the dying prisoner might still be a threat to the public!

The decision will be up to the Governor.


Doug Tjapkes
HUMANITY FOR PRISONERS
20 W. Muskegon Avenue
Muskegon, MI 49440

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