Chad’s Bill

Chad’s Bill: Improving Prison Living Conditions and Educating KY DOC Employees on Addiction

Purpose: To improve the living conditions in Kentucky prisons, to educate Kentucky Department of Corrections (KY DOC) employees on the disease concept of addiction, and promote reentry programs in prisons, in memory of Chad Lake Raymond, who tragically died at Eastern Kentucky Correctional Complex in 2021 due to medical negligence.

Section 1: Improving Living Conditions in Prisons

Standards for Living Conditions:

Establish minimum standards for living conditions in all Kentucky correctional facilities, including adequate ventilation including heating and air, sanitation, and access to clean water.

Ensure regular inspections and compliance checks to maintain these standards.

Healthcare Access:

Mandate timely and adequate medical care for all incarcerated individuals.

Implement a system for regular health check-ups and prompt medical attention for those in need.

Mental Health Services:

Provide comprehensive mental health services, including counseling and therapy, to address the psychological well-being of inmates.

Ensure that mental health professionals are available on-site and that people who are incarcerated have access to these services without undue delay.

Section 2: Educating KY DOC Employees on Addiction

Training Programs:

Develop and implement mandatory training programs for all KY DOC employees on the disease concept of addiction.

Include education on the physiological, psychological, and social aspects of addiction, emphasizing it as a medical condition rather than a moral failing.

Ongoing Education:

Require ongoing education and refresher courses to keep employees updated on the latest research and best practices in addiction treatment and management.

Partner with addiction specialists and healthcare professionals to provide expert-led training sessions.

Supportive Environment:

Foster a supportive environment within correctional facilities that encourages understanding and empathy towards individuals struggling with addiction.

Implement policies that support rehabilitation and recovery, rather than punitive measures, for individuals with addiction issues.

Section 3: Accountability and Oversight

Independent Oversight Committee:

Establish an independent oversight committee to monitor the implementation and effectiveness of the bill’s provisions.

The committee will include representatives from healthcare, mental health, addiction services, and criminal justice reform organizations.

Annual Reporting:

Require annual reports on the living conditions in prisons and the effectiveness of addiction education programs.

These reports will be submitted to the Kentucky General Assembly and made publicly available to ensure transparency and accountability.

Section 4: In Memory of Chad Lake Raymond

Dedication:

Dedicate this bill to the memory of Chad Lake Raymond, who died at Eastern Kentucky Correctional Complex in 2021 due to medical negligence.

Acknowledge the need for systemic change to prevent such tragedies in the future and to honor Chad’s legacy by improving the lives of others.

Section 5: Broader Goals of the Chad Lake Foundation (CLF)

 Lowering Recidivism Rates:

Implement programs and policies aimed at reducing recidivism through effective rehabilitation and support services.

Reducing Stigma:

Work towards reducing the stigma associated with substance use disorders by promoting education and awareness.

Promoting Empathy and Compassion:

Foster a culture of empathy and compassion within correctional facilities to support the rehabilitation and reintegration of incarcerated individuals.

Conclusion: Chad’s Bill aims to create a safer, more humane environment within Kentucky’s correctional facilities and to educate KY DOC employees on the disease concept of addiction. By addressing these critical issues, we can honor the memory of Chad Lake Raymond and work towards a more just and compassionate correctional system.