Dear John,

The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting all of our lives and poses a public health risk to people everywhere. Together, through strict social distancing (i.e., giving people six feet of personal space), we can slow the spread of the virus and help prevent our health care system from getting too overwhelmed—literally saving lives.

But, people in jail and prison cannot practice social distancing, and many of them are already predisposed to complications from the virus.

Generation Progress stands with the youth justice advocates in 26 states, thus far, who have called on state and local officials to release young people from juvenile justice facilities and stop new admissions.

Email your governor and local officials and ask that they release all detained and incarcerated youth in juvenile justice facilities unless a determination is made that a youth is a substantial safety risk to others

In addition, GP stands with justice advocacy organizations across the country who are calling on local elected officials—sheriffs, mayors, county executives—and governors to immediately reduce jail and prison populations by releasing certain categories of people, unless an individual’s release would present an unreasonable risk to the physical safety of the community.

This includes:

• Elderly people
• People the CDC has classified as vulnerable (i.e. those with asthma, cancer, heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes)
• Those within six months of their release
• People incarcerated for a technical parole or probation violation

Jails and prison populations must be reduced so that cells are not shared and there are sufficient medical beds.

In addition, soap, hand sanitizer, and medical care should be provided free of charge. All surfaces should be deep cleaned for the safety of those incarcerated and those employed at the facilities.

As we all take steps to ensure the health of ourselves and our loved ones, we must also take steps to ensure the wellbeing of the 43,000 children and 2.2 million adults who are behind bars right now.

Please email your state and local officials today.

Stay safe,

Brent J. Cohen
Executive Director
Generation Progress