Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) –A recently released medical audit reveals the Metropolitan Detention Center continues to provide unconstitutionally poor medical care to inmates. According to our partners at the Albuquerque Journal, the audit done by a court expert says poor staffing, long waits for detox, unreliable responses to medical emergencies and no framework to track patients chronic conditions, medical history, medications and preventative care exist at MDC. According to Kate Loewe, an attorney representing those incarcerated at the jail stated, “the Court’s expert found that care is unconstitutional.” 41 people have died in custody since 2020, three have died this year. MDC spokesperson Candace Hopkins said the jail is taking the audit “seriously and remains focused on maintaining a safe and secure environment for both staff and inmates.” Officials with UNM Hospital who handle health care at the jail said in an email that their providers are meeting nationally recognized health care standards and that the settlement agreement “exceeds typical community standards of care used in detention facilities.” Attorney Loewe and others have since asked a U.S. District Court judge to fine Bernalillo County for violating terms of the settlement agreement in an attempt to bring reform. A hearing is scheduled for mid-April.
