EPV CALL TO ACTION
Women incarcerated at Bedford Hills are facing dangerous and inhumane conditions that demand immediate action.
TAKE ACTION TODAY!You can do these three things in under 10 minutes to help. Scripts and links below!
WHAT’S HAPPENING
As we honor the contributions of women during Women’s History Month, we find ourselves in the midst of a moral crisis at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, the largest women’s prison in New York, where there have been three deaths in roughly four weeks, two of them suicides.
The Gathering for Justice, Until Freedom, End Prison Violence, New Hour LI, Families and Friends of the Wrongfully Convicted, A Little Piece of Light, and many organizations have joined forces to call for an immediate response to the crisis plaguing incarcerated women. And we need your help to get the word out.
Sign the Petition
1
Three deaths in just weeks have exposed a growing crisis at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility. Sign the petition to demand immediate action to protect the health, safety, and rights of incarcerated women. Stand with the women of Bedford Hills.
Call Governor Hochul
2
Call Governor Hochul calling for the removal of DSS Blot.
(518) 474-8390
Office hours:
9:00am to 5:00pm
Phone script for Governor Kathy Hochul:
Hello, I’m calling because we are in the midst of a crisis at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, the largest women’s prison in New York, where three people have died in about four weeks, including two suicides, amid reports of prolonged lock-ins, unsafe conditions, and deteriorating mental health.
Advocates and incarcerated women have raised urgent concerns for months, and the situation has worsened, with allegations that Deputy Superintendent of Security Blot’s leadership has contributed to abusive conditions and serious human rights violations.
I’m urging Governor Hochul to immediately remove DSS Blot, without transfer, to prevent another life from being lost. I'm urging reinstatement of recreation, daily showers, and adequate out of cell time.
Call Commissioner Martuscello
3
Call Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Commissioner Martuscello calling for removal of DSS Blot and for a plan from DOCCS to improve conditions immediately.
Office hours:
8:00am to 4:00pm
Phone script for Commissioner Martuscello
Hello, I’m calling because we are in the midst of a crisis at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, the largest women’s prison in New York, where three people have died in about four weeks, including two suicides, amid reports of prolonged lock-ins, unsafe conditions, and deteriorating mental health.
Advocates and incarcerated women have raised urgent concerns for months, and the situation has worsened, with allegations that Deputy Superintendent of Security Blot’s leadership has contributed to abusive conditions and serious human rights violations.
I’m urging Governor Hochul to immediately remove DSS Blot, without transfer, to prevent another life from being lost. I'm urging reinstatement of recreation, daily showers, and adequate out of cell time.
petition
The women and TGNCNBI (Transgender, Gender Non-Conforming, Non-Binary, and Intersex) people at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility are suffering in deplorable conditions every day, for months now. It's unimaginable to think of one more person dying in state custody, yet that's the tragic reality we face. These women deserve dignity and basic humanity. They are incarcerated, but not forgotten or to be neglected.
In the past four weeks alone, three tragic deaths have occurred within the walls of Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, two of which were heartrending suicides. These aren't mere statistics; they are the lives of women under NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision's care — they are mothers, daughters, sisters.
Behind these deaths lie deeply troubling reports that have emerged over months, painting a dark picture of life inside this institution. Our loved ones inside have faced daily extended lock-ins when not in their work program, loss of indoor recreation and communal spaces, incidents of physical violence, denial of their basic right to daily showers, and restrictions impeding family visits.
The shadow over these grim circumstances is Deputy Superintendent of Security Michael Blot. His appointment to the women’s prison brought along a history rife with horrifying allegations and since his arrival he has instituted punishment for women who have done nothing wrong. Women have been offered buckets of water with rags instead of showers, even during menstruation. It is inhumane and unacceptable for any institution, let alone one holding lives in its custody, to shadow itself with such neglect and inhumanity.
Mannie tragically commited suicide after recieivng a ticket for bringing her artwork back to her cell. This put her at risk of going from her honors housing unit to general population where lock-ins and shower denials are an everyday reality. Before her death, she wrote,
"I have hurt for far too long and I am tired of being afraid, depressed, in pain, and on edge for fear of losing housing at Fiske — this is no way to live; the ticket I received broke me!"
We cannot and will not allow another life to be tragically cut short. The call is clear: NYS Governor Kathy Hochul must remove Michael Blot immediately from his position, without transfer to another facility where the same oppressive cycle could restart. We are demanding reinstatement of recreation, daily showers, and adequate out of cell time.
We seek justice for those who are no longer with us, and safety for those who remain.
Join us in this urgent movement. Stand up for human dignity and the rights of the incarcerated women at Bedford Hills. Your support can push the authorities to take immediate action and usher in much-needed change.
Sign the petition now and be a part of the force that prevents one more tragic loss.