Michigan Department of Corrections' Own Report Exposes Truth Behind Michigan Women's Prison Conditions
A recent internal report by the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) has contradicted the state's public claims that conditions at the Women's Huron Valley Correctional Facility are under control, revealing widespread infrastructure failures and ideal conditions for mold growth.
The report, prepared by the department's Physical Plant Division, details dozens of unresolved issues across the prison, including aging HVAC systems, moisture intrusion, failing ventilation, deteriorating building materials, and neglected mechanical systems. These problems can lead to a range of health issues, including respiratory and skin problems, as inmates have been warning for years.
The assessment highlights chronic infrastructure failures that allow mold to thrive in areas with poor air circulation and high humidity. The report documents multiple sources of moisture entering or persisting within buildings, including compromised roof drains, leaking roofs, and failing plumbing components. These conditions create an environment conducive to the growth of mold spores, which can cause serious health problems for inmates.
The MDOC has repeatedly downplayed concerns about environmental health conditions at Huron Valley, despite a federal judge ruling in 2025 that the prison's conditions may violate the Constitution due to their severity and impact on inmate health. The report obtained by Metro Times on Tuesday reveals that many of these issues were known internally before the department's officials minimized them.
Experts warn that surface-level fixes, such as painting or replacing isolated ceiling tiles, do not resolve mold problems when underlying issues like moisture sources, ventilation failures, and building envelope defects remain unaddressed. The assessment calls for more than $12 million in proposed repairs to correct these systemic issues, but it remains unclear whether the MDOC will take adequate action to address the concerns raised by inmates and experts.
The report's findings highlight the need for greater transparency and accountability from the MDOC regarding environmental health conditions within its facilities. Inmates at Huron Valley have long complained about mold-related problems, including respiratory infections and skin reactions, which are consistent with exposure to mold spores.
A recent internal report by the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) has contradicted the state's public claims that conditions at the Women's Huron Valley Correctional Facility are under control, revealing widespread infrastructure failures and ideal conditions for mold growth.
The report, prepared by the department's Physical Plant Division, details dozens of unresolved issues across the prison, including aging HVAC systems, moisture intrusion, failing ventilation, deteriorating building materials, and neglected mechanical systems. These problems can lead to a range of health issues, including respiratory and skin problems, as inmates have been warning for years.
The assessment highlights chronic infrastructure failures that allow mold to thrive in areas with poor air circulation and high humidity. The report documents multiple sources of moisture entering or persisting within buildings, including compromised roof drains, leaking roofs, and failing plumbing components. These conditions create an environment conducive to the growth of mold spores, which can cause serious health problems for inmates.
The MDOC has repeatedly downplayed concerns about environmental health conditions at Huron Valley, despite a federal judge ruling in 2025 that the prison's conditions may violate the Constitution due to their severity and impact on inmate health. The report obtained by Metro Times on Tuesday reveals that many of these issues were known internally before the department's officials minimized them.
Experts warn that surface-level fixes, such as painting or replacing isolated ceiling tiles, do not resolve mold problems when underlying issues like moisture sources, ventilation failures, and building envelope defects remain unaddressed. The assessment calls for more than $12 million in proposed repairs to correct these systemic issues, but it remains unclear whether the MDOC will take adequate action to address the concerns raised by inmates and experts.
The report's findings highlight the need for greater transparency and accountability from the MDOC regarding environmental health conditions within its facilities. Inmates at Huron Valley have long complained about mold-related problems, including respiratory infections and skin reactions, which are consistent with exposure to mold spores.
this is so crazy! I'm literally shocked that the Michigan Department of Corrections has been downplaying these issues for years 
. It's clear that they're not taking the health and wellbeing of their female inmates seriously 
, and it's heartbreaking to think about all the people who have suffered because of it 
.
. The fact that experts are saying surface-level fixes won't work if you don't address the underlying problems is like, super obvious 
. It's time for the MDOC to get their act together and prioritize the health and safety of their inmates 
.
. No more sweeping things under the rug or making excuses 
. We need real change, not just empty promises 
.
I'm literally shocked by this internal report. It's like they're hiding something from us. Like seriously, who lets mold growth go unchecked in a prison? 
Not good for the health of those inmates at all. I mean, we've been talking about these issues for years and now it's finally coming to light. What's even more disturbing is that MDOC knew about these problems but didn't want to report them. It's like they were trying to sweep it under the rug... literally 
.
how can they downplay the health risks of mold growth when it's affecting so many inmates?! 
$12 million in repairs is a good start, but it's not enough... they need to address the root cause of the problem which is those aging HVAC systems 
and plumbing components that are causing moisture intrusion 
so we can see what's really going on behind closed doors 
. It's time for real change, not just surface-level fixes 
. We need to prioritize the health and safety of those inmates 
IT'S BEEN SAID FOR YEARS BY THE INMATES THAT THE MICHIGAN WOMEN'S PRISON IS A HEALTH HAZARD!!! AND NOW WE KNOW WHY!!!! 
THIS IS A DARK DAY FOR JUSTICE IN MICHIGAN!!
. $12 million is no joke, but it's better than ignoring the problems altogether 
. Plus, it's awesome that the inmates have been speaking up and advocating for themselves – that takes so much courage 
. Let's hope the MDOC listens and makes some real changes to improve conditions at Huron Valley 