The story was created in collaboration with The Appeal and Grist. Michael Broadway struggled to breathe in his cell at Stateville Correctional Center during a heatwave. Despite pleading for help, a nurse arrived late, leading to Broadway’s collapse. He was carried down five flights of stairs but was pronounced dead at the hospital. Broadway was a cancer survivor, an author, and a college graduate. The lack of air conditioning in prisons poses a significant danger, with many facilities not properly equipped. Extreme heat has been linked to higher death rates in prisons, but the exact number of heat-related deaths remains unknown. Advocates are calling for universal air conditioning and better access to cooling measures to protect incarcerated individuals. As heat waves sweep across the country, the issue is spreading beyond historical hotspots in the South and Southwest, affecting states with traditionally milder climates. This summer, extreme temperatures have impacted Washington State, New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Illinois, and New Hampshire, where prisons lack universal air conditioning. Research shows that extreme heat can be particularly dangerous for individuals not acclimated to high temperatures.

In New York, most of the state’s approximately 30,000 prisoners are housed in units without air conditioning, with temperatures reaching around 100 degrees. In New Hampshire, only one of the state’s three prisons has air conditioning, leading to record-breaking heat in Concord. New Jersey, one of the fastest-warming U.S. states, has about 65 percent of housing units air-conditioned.

Marsha’s son is incarcerated at Bayside State Prison, where most housing units lack air conditioning, causing suffocating heat. To cope, her son bought fans from the commissary, where a 9-inch fan costs about $16. The Department of Corrections allows individuals in units without air conditioning to purchase one fan and one 28-quart cooler at a discounted price.

Vermont, one of the fastest-warming states in the country, is also experiencing heat-related challenges. A complaint was filed on behalf of employees at Southern State Correctional Facility, where an officer developed heat stroke due to inadequate air conditioning. The facility is set to receive universal air conditioning by 2027, with lawmakers approving funding for the project.

Only two out of Vermont’s six prisons are fully air-conditioned, representing 29 percent of the state’s housing units. The Vermont DOC is actively working to install HVAC systems across all correctional facilities to ensure a comfortable and dignified experience for those living and working in Vermont prisons. The spokesperson for the Department of Corrections stated that depending on the facility, staff may provide free ice twice a day, place fans in common areas, use water misters, distribute popsicles, or set up water and shade stations in the yard. Inmates can buy a 6-inch desk fan for about $13 and an 8-inch fan for $42, which is almost twice the cost at a local Lowe’s.

Timothy Burgess, a prisoners’ rights advocate, has received reports from Southern State about the extreme heat conditions. He mentioned that the heat is unbearable and dangerous, especially during the summer months.

Inmates often lack basic protections from the heat, such as shade, water misters, and cold water when they are outside. This is particularly concerning in the South and Southwest regions where summers are scorching hot and climate change is making things worse.

In Arizona’s Lewis Complex, there is a lack of shade in the recreation yard, and the ice water provided runs out quickly. Air conditioning has been installed in some units, but not all due to funding issues. Inmates can purchase personal fans from the commissary for about $23.

Temperatures at Lewis have been consistently over 100 degrees since the end of May. The extreme heat has taken a toll on the physical and mental health of inmates, with many experiencing heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Heat stroke can be deadly, as seen in the case of Juan Carlos Ramirez Bibiano who died in extreme heat conditions at Telfair State Prison in Georgia. Inmates are at risk of heat-related illnesses, and measures need to be taken to protect them from the dangerous temperatures.

In Louisiana, prisoners are fighting to halt work on the “Farm Line” when the heat index exceeds 88 degrees. Changes to heat-related policies are being implemented, including providing sunscreen and access to shade for workers. It is crucial to prioritize the safety and well-being of inmates during extreme heat conditions. In a scathing rebuke, the judge criticized the agency’s actions as “grossly insufficient,” highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by incarcerated individuals working in extreme conditions.

The U.S. Department of Labor has recently proposed a rule aimed at implementing protections for workers in high temperatures, but it does not explicitly address incarcerated laborers. Despite the opportunity for public comment on the proposed rule, there is skepticism about whether states will include incarcerated workers in their regulations.

California, for example, explicitly excluded prisons and jails from newly approved heat-related protections, leaving incarcerated laborers and prison staff without coverage. As climate change exacerbates outdoor conditions, incarcerated individuals across the country are facing harsh environments without adequate protection.

From Pennsylvania to Illinois, stories emerge of incarcerated individuals enduring extreme heat without sufficient safeguards. With little shade, limited access to water, and no sunscreen provided, the risks of heat-related illnesses like heat stroke are significant.

The lack of protection against the rising temperatures underscores a broader issue of neglect within the correctional system. Incarcerated individuals rely on prison staff for their safety, but the systemic disregard for their well-being is evident.

As the earth continues to warm, it is imperative that steps are taken to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals, including those behind bars. The need for comprehensive protections against extreme heat is clear, and the voices of incarcerated individuals must be heard and prioritized in policy-making processes.

In conclusion, the urgent need for improved protections for incarcerated individuals working in extreme conditions cannot be overstated. It is crucial that policymakers, lawmakers, and prison officials take immediate action to address these issues and prioritize the safety and well-being of all individuals, regardless of their circumstances. Engaging in dialogue, advocating for change, and amplifying the voices of those most affected are essential steps towards creating a more just and equitable system for all. Please rewrite the following content so that it is not an exact duplicate of the original:

Original: “The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.”

Rewritten: “The speedy brown fox leaps over the sluggish canine.”