November 2, 2007

Better Services for Alabama Inmates

HIV-positive prisoners in Alabama will now have access to many services and programs that have for years been available only to HIV-negative inmates.  The improvements stem from actions by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), AIDS Alabama and state legislators (aclu.org, 11/1).

Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) Commissioner Richard F. Allen recently announced the change. On September 28, the ACLU sent a letter demanding the end of the state’s discriminatory practice of barring HIV-positive inmates from certain visitation rights and education, religious and substance abuse treatment programs.

“Alabama’s HIV segregation policy has for many years been a shameful remnant of an earlier time and Commissioner Allen’s wise decision to modify this degrading policy will bring about far-reaching benefits for all Alabamans,” said Margaret Winter, associate director of the ACLU National Prison Project.

However, Winter, added,  “more improvements need to be made.” The ACLU will meet with Commissioner Allen next week to discuss the ADOC’s policy of denying positive inmates work release and other services.