Editor:
The reason I am writing this letter is to let the public know the conditions that we at the Montezuma County Jail are dealing with. First off, they dont give TB tests to everybody and there is one person in here who has admitted to having TB. In my case, I am hypoglycemic, have been for years, and they do not give me what I am supposed to have. I fell out due to my low blood sugar and hit my head on the toilet. I was taken to the hospital and was told I broke my orbital bone. The hospital then said I needed surgery within 10 days and sent me back to the jail with a prescription. Back at the jail, they refused me the pills and still have not given me my snacks that I am supposed to have due to my blood sugar. They also have refused to take me to have my surgery. I still have major headaches from the falling out. My vision in my left eye has also been affected.
I am in the process of starting a lawsuit against the sheriffs office. I have requested a prisoners complaint packet from the United States District courthouse in Denver. I am enclosing a copy of my notice of intent that I sent the attorney general of Colorado. This sheriff is exposing us to TB and other dangerous diseases, and if contracted and we are released, we could expose the public. This is the only county that does not screen for anything, and if we dont know anything we cant prevent anything. The nurse has said before, and I quote, We dont do preventive medicine.
The public needs to know what is going on in here. In the medical area, we are mistreated. We are underfed, lack proper medical treatment and are denied the right treatment when ordered by an outside doctor.
Jimmie Phillips
Montezuma County Jail
