1. United States
2. Mich.
3. Letter

Demand Accountability and Crisis Intervention at Huron Valley I am writing to demand immediate intervention regarding the crisis at the Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility. Following the tragic passing of 36-year-old Ashley Hoath, three women have now died under state supervision in less than a month. This spike in fatalities—nearly matching the total deaths for all of 2025—signals a systemic failure that legislative oversight alone cannot fix. For years, incarcerated women, medical professionals, and bipartisan lawmakers have sounded the alarm over hazardous living conditions. Reports of toxic mold, failing ventilation, severe overcrowding, and denied medical care paint a harrowing picture of neglect. Inmates like Khaira Howard reportedly cried out for help to no avail, while others suffer from documented illnesses linked to black mold. Your administration’s calls for standard department investigations are no longer enough. True accountability requires a change in leadership. I join the growing bipartisan coalition of state and federal lawmakers calling for the immediate removal of MDOC Director Heidi Washington. The health and safety of these women is your responsibility. Please use your executive authority to appoint new leadership, launch an independent investigation, and immediately address these life-threatening conditions.