Significant events recently took place at San Quentin. An executive order from Gov. Jerry Brown prompted Warden Ron Davis to reduce the institution’s water usage.
The water was further restricted because of a bacterial contamination. Several men fell ill to Legionnaires’ disease, a type of pneumonia, and Pontiac fever, a type of sinus infection caused by the Legionella bacteria in the water.
This month we asked two questions: “What did you like most about this year’s health fair? Among all the uses of water, which is most important to you?”
David Le: Acupressure was the highlight of the event for me. It was my first time getting acupressure. My most important use of water was to drink. (During acupressure, America College of Traditional Chinese Medicine volunteers placed ear seeds on inmates’ ears. The seeds were supposed to cause relaxation and warm sensations.)
Eusebio Gonzalez: Everything was a grandiose experience for me. I liked everything about the health fair. The important use of water for me is for daily hygiene and use of the toilet. The water for the sink and toilet were the most important for me.
Jesse Flores: I really liked getting a toothbrush and toothpaste at the health fair. I need to take better care of my teeth. The most important use of water for me is to drink it and to cook with it.
Syyen Hong: What I liked most about the health fair were the chiropractors. Using the water for showers is the most important for me. Sonny Nguyen: I liked the drum therapy. That was something new. To drink is the most important use of water for me. (During drum therapy, participants played the drums. The musical expression was meant to cause spiritual healing.)
Brad Carney: I did not attend the health fair. Using the water to drink is obviously the most important. Drinking water is critical. Bathing would definitely be number two.
Eddie Hollingsworth: My favorite part of the health fair was Prisoners Reaping the Benefits of the Health Fair being part of the atmosphere. The important use of water for me is to drink. Number two is for showers.
Orlando Harris: My favorite part was seeing how the men were interacting with our outside guests, how men were able to take advantage of the information, and seeing the volunteers give freely of themselves. For me, bathing and drinking would be the most basic necessities of water.
Timothy Thompson: What I like the most is that there are individuals from the outside coming in here to make us aware of good health practices. Drinking water is the most important because I play a lot of sports.
Forrest Jones: What I liked most about the health fair was the outside people’s passion to come in and see to it that we have good health. Water is important for my health, survival and hygiene.
