[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]

[Lawmaker’s Name]
[Position]
[Office Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]

Dear [Lawmaker’s Name],

I am writing to urge you to visit a Missouri prison and closely examine the serious conditions that have led to alarming developments within the Missouri Department of Corrections (MoDOC). As you may be aware, 139 individuals tragically died while in MoDOC custody in 2024, marking the highest number of deaths ever recorded. This disturbing statistic calls for immediate attention and action to ensure the safety and well-being of those incarcerated in Missouri’s prisons.

Additionally, I want to bring to your attention the declining access to healthcare for incarcerated individuals. This is a critical issue, as many incarcerated people, particularly those with chronic conditions, are not receiving the necessary medical care. The lack of adequate healthcare exacerbates existing health problems and contributes to preventable deaths.

Another major concern is the overwhelming presence of illegal drugs within Missouri’s prisons. Despite efforts to curb the issue, drugs are still easily accessible, posing significant risks to the safety and health of both residents and prison staff. The combination of drug-related violence and the lack of adequate resources to prevent the trafficking of substances further underscores the need for reform within our correctional system.

The people of Missouri deserve a correctional system that prioritizes human life, safety, and rehabilitation. I strongly encourage you to take the time to visit one of Missouri’s prisons, hear from those impacted by these issues, and advocate for solutions to address these critical concerns. It is vital that we work together to improve the conditions of our prisons and ensure that no more lives are lost due to preventable factors.

Thank you for your attention to these pressing issues. I look forward to seeing meaningful action taken to improve the lives of those incarcerated and make Missouri’s correctional system a place of fairness, accountability, and justice.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]