Medical Neglect of Prisoners: Interview with Sue Wilkie, Volunteer for the Jeff Dick's Medical Coalition

Are the inmates in our nation's prisons receiving the necessary medical attention when needed? Or do inmates go untreated, with less than adequate medical help? Sue is a volunteers for the Jeff Dick's Medical Coalition, and will speak about this important prison issue.

Sue, Could you give us a Bio about yourself?

My name is Sue Wilkie. I live in Great Britain, I am 43 years old, I have 2 sons ages 20 and 13. I love to read (when I have the time haha) also just spend some time chilling out with my family and friends. I love to listen to music while I am working, it gives me encouragement J I am also the President and Medical Director for the Jeff Dicks Medical Coalition.

I understand your a volunteer for The Jeff Dick's Medical Coalition, what is that organization all about?

The Jeff Dicks Medical Coalition is a human rights organization, we have volunteers who fight for the rights of those incarcerated who are not getting their medical needs met, or those who are being abused. We have inmates write to us from all over the US. We have volunteers who act on the inmates behalf by writing to the correct authorities and staff in the prison concerned bringing the complaint to light and also keep in touch with the inmates themselves. It can take months or even longer sometimes to actually get the inmate the care and treatment they need, and unfortunately there are also deaths which could have been avoided if the correct care/treatment had been given.

When was it founded, and where did the name come from?

The Jeff Dicks Medical Coalition was founded by Shirley Dicks in 1999 and was named in memory of her son Jeff Dicks. Jeff was on deathrow in Tennessee accused of a crime he did not commit. Jeff Dicks died on 10th May 1999 due to medical neglect, improper diet and lack of exercise. Jeff was left sitting in his cell for 3 days in excruciating pain, he was given Mallox instead of being sent to the hospital for tests on his heart-he had previously been told a second heart attack would kill him, the warden denied a cardiologist (who was prepared to donate his time free of charge) to see Jeff.

What exactly is it that you do?