CANY reports on monitoring at Elmira Correctional Facility following 6 suicides in 2021

Written By Madelyn S

Correctional Association of New York, April 26-27, 2022: CANY reports on monitoring at Elmira Correctional Facility following 6 suicides in 2021

“The Correctional Association of New York (CANY) has released a Post-Visit Briefing report from a monitoring visit to Elmira Correctional Facility in April 2022, which followed the receipt of data showing the prison had more deaths by suicide than at any other prison in the state.

“CANY’s monitoring at Elmira also identified deteriorating material and environmental conditions of the prison, a need for adequate heating and cooling to mitigate exposure to extreme temperatures, aging infrastructure affecting quality of water; limited access to phones and tablets; a lack of stationary surveillance cameras; inadequate responses to requests for medical and dental healthcare; and issues with the quality and accessibility of mental healthcare.

“As a result of its monitoring visit, CANY recommended the release of complete findings and recommendations from the joint Suicide Prevention Working Group convened by DOCCS and OMH and that the the Department of Health assume oversight of healthcare in state prisons, among other recommendations. In response to CANY's recommendation, DOCCS provided some information on the Working Group’s exploration of trends related to suicide risk and the corresponding implementation of recommendations from the Committee, which is included in the report.”

Madelyn S
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