September 8, 2006
The NPP was asked by local counsel to join this case in 1992, which was filed to improve living conditions, including medical and mental health care, in Michigan’s oldest and largest prison. Earlier his year, the court issued a final injunctive order regarding fire safety, as well as an order requiring improvements in medical care. In October 2006, we presented evidence that the existing order on medical care needed to be expanded, since prisoners are continuing to die preventable deaths. In addition, we asked the court to require improvements in mental health care, based in part on shocking deficiencies brought to light in the wake of the tragic death of a 21 year-old mentally ill man who spent four days in full restraints in his cell before dying, apparently as a result of dehydration and lack of monitoring by both medical and mental health staff.
