We The People - ODOC Families

04/22/2026

There are some upcoming changes to communications in ODOC that people should be aware of.

Based on a recent contract amendment and DOC communications, it looks like:

• Tablets are being rolled out at a 1:1 ratio (one per AIC) across facilities
• A free calling program is expected to be implemented
• Messaging is shifting to a flat $0.25 per message once free calling is in place
• Most personal mail may be scanned and delivered digitally (with some exceptions like legal mail)
• Tablets will also be used for programs, education, and communication tools
• The contract has been extended out to 2031
• Payment structure between the vendor and the state has changed

Timeline appears to be gradual:
• Tablets expected around Fall 2026
• Scanned mail expected closer to the end of 2026

This is based on formal contract documents and official communications—not rumors.

As always, how this is actually implemented—and how it affects families—is what matters most. I’ll keep watching this closely.

01/27/2026

🩹 Street Roots on Promised Medical Care Improvements

Another award-winning piece tracking ODOC’s promises vs. family experiences on medical care — including courtroom testimony about how chronic conditions were (or weren’t) treated.

👉 Read it here:
➤ Oregon prison leaders promised better medical care — who’s watching them? — Street Roots

Street Roots After failed legislation renewed worries about health care for Oregon’s aging and medically needy prison population, prison leaders promised to do better. But a court case raises questions about whether that commitment has trickled down. by Jake Thomas | 24 Sep 2025 Jacob Pizzo was si...

01/26/2026

📺 SRCI Resource Team Presentation (Part 1)

A recorded presentation (Part 1) explaining the SRCI Resource Team reform effort — how it began, its goals, and its place in attempts to reduce the harms of long-term isolation.

👉 Watch here:
📹 SRCI Resource Team Part 1 — YouTube

The first half of Captain Jantz's presentation, explaining the background of the SRCI Resource Team, their objective, and the history of their first adults i...

01/25/2026

🧠 Street Roots Reporting on Prison Medical Care

In-depth community reporting on how health care delays and denials are driving the deadliest period in ODOC’s modern history — including personal stories and systemic drivers.

👉 Read the series:
➤ ODOC health care panels: delay and deny care — Street Roots

Critics, lawsuits say Oregon Department of Corrections health care panels improperly delay and deny care. ODOC won’t say who actually serves on committees or how many requests and referrals they deny.

01/24/2026

🚨 DOC Staff Misconduct Reporting

An investigative report on Oregon DOC officers being moved toward termination over racist/sexist group text messages — a rare look at internal misconduct and the justice department response.

👉 Read it here:
➤ Oregon DOC moves to fire corrections officers over group texts — The Oregonian / Corrections1

The Oregon DOC released pre-dismissal letters after an investigation revealed racist language, hate speech and demeaning content shared by tactical team members

01/23/2026

🏥 ODOC Healthcare Improvements & Progress Update (Dec 2025)

A follow-up story on ODOC’s response 120 days after the health services review — including reduced backlog for outside appointments, expanded specialty care access, and plans for facility updates.

👉 Read the update:
➤ Oregon DOC gives 120-day update after health services division investigation — NBC16

KMTR NBC Eugene provides news, sports and weather coverage to surrounding communities including Springfield, Santa Clara, Coburg, Pleasant Hill, Creswell, Churchill, Alvadore, Marcola, Dexter, Thurston, Junction City, Brownsville, Harrisburg, Alvadore, Veneta and Alpine.

01/22/2026

🩺 Oregon DOC Health Services Division Investigation (2025)

A local news investigation details the completed ODOC health care investigation, including findings about specialty care access delays, staffing issues, and ongoing efforts to improve the system — based on outside consultant reviews.

👉 Read the full investigation:
➤ Oregon Dept. of Corrections health division investigation complete — KVAL News

The Oregon Department of Corrections' (DOC) investigation into its Health Services Division is complete.In February, the DOC announced an effort to reform the d

01/21/2026

Falcon Report on Prison Healthcare Delivery

ODOC released a comprehensive health care delivery assessment conducted by Falcon Correctional and Community Services — outlining systemic problems like disorganization, delayed care, outdated record systems, and staff challenges.

👉 ODOC Healthcare Delivery System Assessment (Falcon Report)

01/20/2026

📍 DRO: Report on Medical Neglect in Prison

Disability Rights Oregon has documented cases where medical neglect — including ignored symptoms and lack of proper care — contributed to an inmate’s death. This kind of independent reporting gives families and advocates data to push for change.

📄 Read the DRO report here:
👉 https://www.droregon.org/advocacy/medical-neglect-in-prison

Real people, real health harms — these stories matter.
💬 Comment if you’d like a plain-language summary of this report.

Our 2019 investigative report concluded medical neglect led to the death of an inmate who experienced mental illness and cognitive disabilities at the Oregon State Penitentiary.

01/19/2026

Lawsuits Over Inmate Deaths & Medical Neglect

There are ongoing legal cases alleging failures of ODOC’s medical care, including a wrongful death lawsuit by a mother whose son allegedly waited nearly a year for diagnostic tests — and family lawsuits relating to inadequate health care and supervision.

👉 Mother files wrongful death lawsuit accusing ODOC of delayed cancer care — Oregon Capital Chronicle

The Oregon Department of Corrections faces another wrongful death lawsuit after an inmate died, allegedly after a delayed cancer diagnosis.