Join us the first Sunday of April, 2023 (4/2/23) from 3-5pm at Firestorm books for our monthly political prisoner letter writing event. Per usual, we’ll bring stationary and provide names and addresses of prisoners with upcoming birthdays, who’ve been recently moved or who otherwise could use some friendly words, even bring the stationary. You just need to show up with a mask and willingness to share your thoughts with someone behind bars.
Below is a message and call for support from anti-racist prison organizer Joseph “Shinewhite” Stewart, who is incarcerated at Granville C.I. As discussed below, Shinewhite recently found out he has Hepatitis-C, which if left untreated can result in severe liver disease, including cirrhosis and cancer.
Since being diagnosed over two weeks ago, Shinewhite has been prevented from getting the blood testing his doctor ordered. This delay in his care is highly concerning, not just because every week counts when it comes to treatment, but because it may indicate prison staff intend to use medical neglect–a favorite tactic of prison guards and administrators–as a weapon to silence Shinewhite, or simply to punish him for his activism behind bars.
Shinewhite needs our help to make sure he receives his blood testing and gets assessed by an independent hepatologist to develop a treatment plan as soon as possible. This is critical to avoid serious liver damage, including possible cirrhosis or liver cancer! Please contact the people below all day March 6-8 to insist that Shinewhite’s medical care move forward without delay!! Sample script/email text below.
Gary Junker, NC DAC Director of Health and Wellness
Michael Roach, Warden at Granville Correctional Institution
Loris Sutton, Central Region Director
Natalie Murdock, NC State Senator ** this is an elected official, not DAC staff **
Hello, I’m calling in reference to Joseph Stewart (#0802041). He was diagnosed with Hepatitis-C by Dr. Gloria Harvey on Feb. 15, but critical follow-up care has been delayed for over two weeks. Dr. Harvey ordered blood testing to assess Joseph’s level of fibrosis, which is a critical next step in developing a treatment plan for this extremely serious illness. However, this blood testing has not been done because custodial staff lied repeatedly to medical staff, claiming that Joseph refused his last two medical appointments – THIS IS 100% FALSE.
There is a pattern and practice of custodial staff claiming patients are refusing appointments. This practice must end, and Joseph must be taken immediately for blood testing to assess his APRI and FIB-4 scores. Additionally, Joseph must be seen by an independent hepatologist as soon as possible, to develop a treatment plan. I and many others are keeping track of Joseph’s health and paying close attention to the quality of DAC’s medical care for this serious condition.
If possible, report your call! Let us know you called and what you learned, and if there’s anything significant about how you were treated when you called (was the person courteous? did they sound irritated or mention that other folks had also called? etc)
THANK YOU FOR HELPING TO KEEP OUR COMRADES ALIVE AND SUPPORTED BEYOND THE WALLS!
