Florida Cares Charity Corp.
Footwear for Thomas Drake 85 year old prisoner
Help an 85 year old prisoner obtain medically necessary shoes from the prison
Posted May 25, 2024
Background & Context
Thomas Drake has been in custody in the Florida state prison system more than 40 years. He has diagnosed neuropathy for which he needs medical care and orthopedic boots.
"I am 85 years old with some serious health problems and lately have been having a lot of trouble getting treatments that I need to live a normal lifestyle for someone my age. In 2010 I was diagnosed with Neuropathy in my feet, hands and lower legs. I was sent to a specialist for diagnosis and given orthopedic boots to wear. When these boots needed to be replaced I was sent back to the specialist to receive a new pair of boots.
This continued up until 2019 when medical told me that they would start replacing my boots instead of sending me to see the specialist. The boots they gave me were very inferior to the ones I that I needed. In 2021 I was transferred to Columbia CI and these boots have worn out.
For the last 10 months the medical department told me that they would send me to see the specialist again. However, two weeks ago medical informed me that I did not qualify to have the orthopedic boots that I need to be able to walk almost normally.
At this time the only footwear that I am allowed to wear is the Krocks they issue to all inmates. I have request medical to issue me a pass for a pair of the state issued boots. Medical has advised me that security will not let them write a pass for boots. I have talked to some of administration here and they informed me that that was a medical issue and if medical thought I needed these boots security did not and would tell them that they could not write me a pass for state issued boots. In addition to the issue with the boots, medical has also stopped giving me any medication for my neuropathy. Medical says that inmates have been abusing this medication and they have stopped giving it to all inmates. My neuropathy is steadily getting worse. This is a clear cut case of deliberate indifference and also with my age it is a case of elderly abuse."
Work & Deliverables
Contact the Florida Department of Corrections on behalf of Mr. Drake and arrange for orthopedic boots and treatment for neuropathy.
Preparation Phase
- Schedule a legal phone call with Mr. Drake (arranged through his classification officer)
Collaboration Phase
- Obtain medical release allowing access to his records and treatment.
- Contact prison medical supervisor and institutional management.
- Prepare written request for boots and treatment.
Wrap Up
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Florida Cares Charity Corp.
Florida Cares Charity is a non-profit dedicated to improving the lives of the incarcerated in the Florida Department of Corrections (FDC). We strive to do this through programs, education, visitation, advocacy, charity and legislation. We assist people who are incarcerated and their loved ones with issues that they are unable to resolve with FDC after filing requests and grievances including medical, disciplinary and other issues that arise. Finally, we advocate for legislative changes to retroactively reduce harsh prison sentences and improve prison conditions. Florida Cares is a free, registration based organization in which directly impacted and formerly incarcerated people register.
Florida Cares Charity Corp.
Florida Cares Charity is a non-profit dedicated to improving the lives of the incarcerated in the Florida Department of Corrections (FDC). We strive to do this through programs, education, visitation, advocacy, charity and legislation. We assist people who are incarcerated and their loved ones with issues that they are unable to resolve with FDC after filing requests and grievances including medical, disciplinary and other issues that arise. Finally, we advocate for legislative changes to retroactively reduce harsh prison sentences and improve prison conditions. Florida Cares is a free, registration based organization in which directly impacted and formerly incarcerated people register.