Action Alert: Hold Red Onion State Prison Accountable for Harsh Treatment of Incarcerated People

We need your voice! NASW Virginia Chapter joins with its allied organizations in the Virginia Coalition on Solitary Confinement to demand accountability and change at Red Onion State Prison to stop mentally and physically harmful treatment of its incarcerated people.

Reports of self-inflicted burnings and inhumane conditions are a stark reminder of the crisis behind those walls. People are suffering in prolonged solitary confinement, with no mental health support and are subjected to dehumanizing treatment.

Social workers are asked to call Red Onion State Prison at (276) 796-7510 and demand the following:

1.     An immediate Investigation into the incidents of self-harm and conditions leading to these tragedies.

2.     Transparency regarding the use of solitary confinement and the prison’s mental health policies.

3.     Humane treatment of all incarcerated individuals, ensuring their basic rights are respected.

When calling, you can say the following:

“I’m calling to express my deep concern about reports of self-inflicted burnings and harsh conditions at Red Onion State Prison. I demand an immediate investigation and significant reforms to end the inhumane treatment of incarcerated people. Their lives matter.”

Please share this effort via your social media and through conversations with colleagues to help raise awareness and put pressure on the prison’s leadership and staff. Use #RedOnionCrisis and #EndSolitary to join the movement.

Change won’t happen unless we make it happen. Call now and be a voice for justice!