Recent reporting from the Argus Leader and Rapid City Journal underscore the need for state leaders to act in order to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our prisons and jails. It is clear that what lawmakers and the Department of Corrections are doing now isn’t working.
The hard truth is that people are dying as a result of their inaction.
So, what can we do? Hold the people in power accountable. Send a message or make a phone call today and urge Governor Noem and the Department of Corrections to take action. This takes less than five minutes and could save someones life.
There is a sample script below for you to copy and edit or to save some time, you can click the linked text for help drafting your email to Governor Noem and Mike Leidholt with the South Dakota Department of Corrections. After sending your note, consider following up with a phone call and tweeting your thoughts at them to really apply the pressure.
Our lawmakers and state officials need to know you're paying attention. Take a minute today to demand they do their job and protect the lives of and well-being of incarcerated South Dakotans.
Send your note or call today. Contact information and a sample script can be found by scrolling down.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Gov. Noem:
- governornoem@state.sd.us
- 605-773-3212
Mike Leidholt with the South Dakota Department of Corrections:
- mike.leidholt@state.sd.us
- Instagram (You can message them directly)
- 605-773-3478
SAMPLE EMAIL AND CALL SCRIPT:
Hello,
My name is [NAME] and I am contacting your office to demand immediate action in order to protect the lives and wellbeing of incarcerated people and prison staff from the spread of COVID-19 in South Dakota.
The governor’s office and the Department of Corrections must enhance preventive practices and improve transparency by responding to all public records requests, increase communication with the families of incarcerated people, and end the use of solitary confinement for people who have contracted the virus.
I am following your office’s actions and public reports published by trusted news sources closely and look forward to your speedy response to this matter.
Thank you,
[NAME
PHONE]
P.S. – there’s strength in numbers! Share this page with five people you know once you send your message or make your calls. Just use the social icons at the top of the page, right under the red banner.
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