What does it mean to have impact as an oversight organization, and how do we effect change as prison monitors? In 2023, we did this by doing what we have done for 122 years – witnessing firsthand and sharing out the realities of our prisons, and pushing for changes that improve lives, increase system effectiveness, and better use of limited resources.   

System change takes a village. We deeply appreciate all of our supporters, allies, donors, volunteers, board members, and staff. Our success is based on the efforts of everyone who works for and with JHA, as well as all those who support the organization in countless and myriad ways. We are grateful for our partners in this work, who include stakeholders and advocates working on criminal justice, public health and civil rights issues facing disenfranchised citizens.

Amidst continued reports in early 2022 of ongoing commissary issues, JHA launched an online survey to seek additional information about the availability of commissary and state-issued items. 92% of survey responses reported issues with purchasing items from commissary or receiving state-issued items.

JHA's 2021 Annual Report highlights some of our most important work from this past year and previews some of the initiatives we will be undertaking in 2022. We will continue to push for the health and safety of those living and working in prisons and to call for increased transparency and government accountability. We advocate for a prison system that is fair, safe, and humane – one that recognizes that people can and do change, and one which supports rehabilitation and a successful return to society. We will be on the front lines of this fight and thank you for being there with us.

This report documents the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the response in prisons in Illinois, New York and Pennsylvania – the only three states in the country with non-governmental oversight bodies.