Mumia Abu-Jamal and Other Prisoners Desperately Need a ‘Cardiac Diet’ to Survive

Healthy Food is a Human Right

By Bea Phi

In March of this year, after being denied care at the infirmary in SCI Mahanoy, Mumia was transferred to the hospital and diagnosed with congestive heart failure. He had emergency double bypass surgery.

When Mumia’s Hepatitis-C, in 2015 became acute, and remained untreated the prison’s negligence lead to renal failure and diabetic shock, we mobilized, organized, and put international pressure on the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections. It took over a year, but with your help, we won a preliminary injunction that forced the prison stop denying critical care and give him the fast acting anti-viral cure. His case for medical neglect is set for trial in April 2022! Prisoners across the nation have used this precedent setting injunction to receive the lifesaving cure to acute Hep C infections.

As he recovers from heart surgery, Mumia needs our help.

Right now we are bringing the bright hot spotlight on the prison. The food on the trays at SCI Mahanoy causes diabetes and poor heart health. This combined with the total lack of yard time and solitary confinement as a result of COVID lockdowns has created lethal conditions for folks in prison.

Healthy food is a human right. Food is medicine. Our loved ones deserve the dignity of a nutritious diet.

A cardiac diet and exercise are critical when recovering from heart surgery. It is the best medicine. You cannot repair your heart, and let it heal without exercise and while being forced to eat white bread, white starch, salt, sugar, and meat. A healthy diet has to be mostly fresh plants and vegetables. Mumia still has not received the critical cardiac diet, which includes fresh vegetables, that was prescribed at the hospital. When the prison is not on lockdown, he gets to walk in the yard once a day, but often the a COVID lockdown limits his walking space to his six-foot cell. Our hearts require more than that to survive.

Please send Secretary Little the follow message:

Dear Acting Secretary Little,

You pride yourself on the health and safety of prisoners and staff. We ask that you step up and be at the forefront of wellness. Proper food can and will prevent diabetes and heart failure.

We ask that you:

1) Provide a “cardiac” diet to those such as Mumia Abu-Jamal who are suffering from congestive heart failure.

2) Discontinue purchases that are high in sugar, trans fats, and sodium.

3) Provide fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains and partner with local farmers.

You can reach Secretary Little by mailing him:

George Little,
Acting Secretary of Corrections
1920 Technology Pkwy
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050

Email or by Phone:
717-728-4109
ra-crpadocsecretary@pa.gov