THE PROBLEM

There’s no ability to social distance in prisons, little to no protective equipment, and inadequate healthcare for people inside and their staff. They are dangerous superspread sites—according to The Legal Aid Society the spread rates in NYC jails are 39.1 infections per 1,000 people as opposed to New York City’s 5 infections per 1,000 people rate. 

This public health disaster is so dangerous that judges are mandating release for immuno-compromised individuals, those with very little left on their sentence, etc.  But they are not being provided adequate services upon release and need support to quarantine safely.

Both those inside and also returning into our communities must be provided for.

OUR MISSION

The COVID Foundation has partnered with Never Be Caged, LEAD, and NEXUS Working Group toward Equal Justice to ensure masks get to those in need, with an initial focus on the two hardest hit superspread sites:

• 14,000 masks and soap will be sent to New York’s Rikers Correctional Center (a staff+prison population of about 4,400 people)
• 8,000 masks and soap will be sent to Seattle’s Kings County Adult Detention Center (a staff+prison population of about 2,250 people)

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Donate below or create a personal fundraiser on behalf of this campaign. A common personal fundraiser is to ask people to donate for your upcoming birthday. Or, it’s as simple as activating your network by explaining why you are passionate about this campaign.