My fiance is incarcerated at Bullock C.F. in Union Springs. Ironically, he has a long time friend or "drug buddy" locked up there as well. My fiance is coming home Sept. 10th of this year but his friend has 2 more years. His name is Randall. Randall has Hep C and I have promised his grandmother who shares the drive to Union Springs with me when she is able that I would try to help find out what I could for her about Randalls medical treatment. Here are her questions:
She says that when Randall first went to Kilby, the medical staff told him they were going to do him a favor and not report that he had Hep C or else he would be shipped off to Limestone. Is this possible? Now, at Bullock, he tried to get out of kitchen duty because he didn't want to come into contact with other inmates food. They didn't believe him when he told them he had Hep C. Will they now test him at Bullock? Will he be shipped to another camp if they test him and find out that he is positive for this disease? What if any treatment will he receive in prison for Hep?
Pls help me with these questions.

THANKS SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!

GOD BLESS YOU,

Teresa

I'm going to let Danielle (who is much more expert on the subject of Hepatitis C in Alabama prisons) answer most of your questions if she can - it may take a few days but I'm going to bring this thread to her attention and see if she has some wisdom to share, especially your questions about treatment.

However, there are a couple of things that don't sound quite right to me. One, from what I understand most of the prisons in Alabama have Hepatitis C inmates so it doesn't make sense to me that they'd ship anyone anywhere just because they had Hep C. Matter of fact, Danielle's husband has Hep C and is at Loxley Work Release - they never shipped him anywhere because of it.

The other thing that strikes me as odd is the statement that he would be sent to Limestone. I have a feeling that person who told Randall that was misinformed/confused... because there is a special segregated HIV dorm at Limestone. All Alabama inmates who have HIV are sent there. But I've never heard of any such thing for Hep C inmates in Alabama, not at Limestone nor anywhere else.

My guy is at Limestone and should be calling tonight so I'll ask him about that and check back in here later on this, but I'm pretty certain about the above as it is... will let you know.

My husband was diagnosed with Hepatitis C while at Loxley Work Release this past November. He was actually at JO Davis when the labs were drawn - he was having some other problems, but the doctor suspected Hep C. My husband and I are both recovering IV drug addicts and I have since also been diagnosed with Hepatitis C.

The medical provider for the Alabama Department of Corrections is called NaphCare, Inc. They are a private for-profit industry, based in Birmingham, that is contracted by the DOC and provide healthcare for all of the Alabama prisons.

First of all, Randall's grandmother needs to have an outside physician review his medical records. They won't release
them to her and it's a pain in the rear to get them, but it can be done. Randall will have to release his medical records (there's a specific form he has to fill out, available at the prison) to a doctor in the free world and that doctor has to agree to receive them. Most any physician will.

In the mean time, Randall needs to give power-of-attorney to his grandmother or another relative. This way, whomever has power-of-attorney can get those records once they are released to the doctors. This can be done without hiring an attorney - there's on-line forms available and they are easy to fill out and file.

This way, they will have some idea of the disease's progression.

What Lys said is true - as far as I know - Hep C prisoners are not sent anywhere until they need constant care, such as at Hamilton H&I or if they are truly acute, they will be sent to a hospital. This is more in the end stages of the disease.

NaphCare does not acknowledge any treatment for the disease and prisoners are denied treatment in Alabama. Tell Randall to avoid Tylenol and to research liver toxins. Right now his only defense is to take care of himself.

Now, coming into contact with other prisoners' food is not dangerous (unless he bleeds on the food). Usually they won't use Hep C as a reason to change or deny a prisoner work detail. In fact, even in work release and with well-documented Hep C, my husband often works in food service at his free world job. Basic hygiene and hand washing are pretty much all that's taught from that angle.

Hope this all helps - please, let me know if I can help. I've been fighting this battle for almost a year now! :(

Thank you both so much!! I will pass all this information on to Randall's grandmother. I know she will appreciate all the advise. I thank GOD everyday that Billy did not get sick from shooting dope. He has totally changed his life around this past year. I know missing the birth of his child must have been horrible. I know it was for me. I miss him sooooo much but I am glad he went to prison or he would probably be DEAD today!!! (27 more days!!!!!!!!!!!!) I wish all of you well, GOD bless you and if I can help you all in any way, please let me know!!

You're very welcome Teresa, please let us know if we can help with anything else Alabama-related (or otherwise)!

Forgot to post again last night but my guy did indeed confirm there is no special Hepatitis C thing at Limestone. He agreed with me that that staff person that told Randall that was probably thinking of the HIV dorm instead and thus made that statement of misinformation.

Like you I am thankful that Hep C or HIV or anything else has never been a result of my guy's IV drug use. It could have easily happened, and has happened to many.

Best to you and hope we see you around the Alabama forum and PTO lots!!

Lys

Thanks again Lys!!!!!!!