Nevada’s prison system faced intense scrutiny during the year’s final Board of State Prison Commissioners meeting. Activists, family members of inmates, and state leaders gathered on Thursday to address pressing concerns about living conditions within the state’s prisons.

Families demanded better access to medical care, healthier food options, and increased outdoor time for inmates. Many attributed worsening conditions to a recent prisoner swap between Ely State Prison and High Desert State Prison, describing the current environment as “inhumane.”

The Board of State Prison Commissioners, composed of Governor Joe Lombardo, Attorney General Aaron Ford, and Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar, oversees the Department of Corrections. During the meeting, Return Strong Nevada, an advocacy group pushing for transparency and accountability, emphasized the moral and societal implications of neglect within the prison system. “Why should someone enter prison and leave as a broken individual, sick, malnourished, and further damaged because of the lack of medical care and nutritious food?” a representative asked. “This is not justice or rehabilitation. It is cruel.”

State officials acknowledged concerning findings. A recent food inspection of six state prisons revealed 14 critical dietary and sanitation violations, a slight increase from the previous year. While NDOC Director William Gittere remained silent on the findings, Attorney General Aaron Ford stated the need for immediate action to improve food quality and overall conditions.

The meeting highlighted ongoing issues with prison management, placing renewed pressure on Nevada leaders to address systemic problems and uphold basic human rights for those behind bars.

Source: FOX5 Las Vegas