This case, Baxley v. Jividen, argued that the medical and mental healthcare being provided in the ten regional jails in West Virginia was so poor that the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation was violating the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendment rights of people who were incarcerated in those facilities. Although initially started by a small group of individuals, in 2020, the case was certified as a class action, with a class including everyone who is currently or in the future will be incarcerated in a West Virginia regional jail.
Along with a class spanning tens of thousands of known and unknown individuals, the Baxley case also had six spectacular named class representatives, people who, despite either currently being or recently having been incarcerated, were willing to speak out about the lack of healthcare they’d received. Even more admirably, the case sought only to change the system and improve the healthcare being provided, and so these six named class representatives accepted the burden of representing the class, speaking out, and potentially risking their own safety with no expectation of monetary compensation for their time, hard work, and dedication.
Each of our named class representatives, every incarcerated person who spoke to us or our medical experts, and every individual who went through a deposition or provided a declaration for this lawsuit did so not because they wanted to be financially compensated, but because they wanted to ensure that the poor care and horrible experiences they had endured did not happen to others.
Felecia Phillips Ollie DD (h.c.) is the inspiring leader and founder of The Equality Network LLC (TEN). With a background in coaching, travel, and a career in news, Felecia brings a unique perspective to promoting diversity and inclusion. Holding a Bachelor’s Degree in English/Communications, she is passionate about creating a more inclusive future. From graduating from Mississippi Valley State University to leading initiatives like the Washington State Department of Ecology’s Equal Employment Opportunity Program, Felecia is dedicated to making a positive impact. Join her journey on our blog as she shares insights and leads the charge for equity through The Equality Network.
