WASHTENAW COUNTY, Mich. – Michigan Department of Corrections Director Heidi E. Washington and other department leaders have been onsite this week at the Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility, MDOC said in a press update.
MDOC said Washington and senior custody and medical staff are observing health care units and day-to-day operations to make sure procedures are being followed and a consistent standard of care is provided. The department said leadership has been speaking with incarcerated individuals and reviewing concerns.
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The department also said additional clinical leaders have been brought in and a new health care staffing plan is being developed, including enhanced nursing management.
Stakeholder briefings
Washington and the department’s medical director met May 22 with stakeholders, lawmakers and members of Michigan’s congressional delegation to provide updates and answer questions. The department said more briefings will be held as new developments occur.
Lawmaker letter
A letter dated May 21, 2026 and led by state Rep. Laurie Pohutsky calls for Washington to resign and raises concerns about conditions at Women’s Huron Valley and across the prison system.
In the letter, lawmakers say there have been at least four deaths in MDOC facilities in the last month that gained public attention, including two at Women’s Huron Valley: Khaira Howard (May 13) and Rebecca Fackler (May 17). The letter also references Colton Mitchell (April 15 at Chippewa Correctional Facility) and Devin Hurst (April 23 at the Charles Egeler Reception and Guidance Center).
The letter says “significant policy and culture change” is needed within MDOC and claims that change “cannot and will not occur” under Washington’s leadership.