Michigan's Women's Huron Valley Correctional Facility Faces Severe Mold Issues, State Report Contradicts Public Claims
A damning internal report by the Michigan Department of Corrections has exposed widespread mold problems at the state's only women's prison, contradicting public claims that conditions pose little cause for concern. The findings echo long-standing complaints from inmates, including Kyrstal Clark, who have described persistent mold, poor air circulation, chronic dampness, and respiratory and skin issues.
The FY2025 Five-Year Physical Assessment Plan, prepared by the department's Physical Plant Division, highlights numerous infrastructure failures that create ideal conditions for mold growth. Aging HVAC systems, moisture intrusion, failing ventilation, deteriorating building materials, and neglected mechanical systems are among the issues identified. These problems can allow mold to thrive even when surfaces are repeatedly cleaned or painted.
The report notes that air-handling systems at Huron Valley are outdated, difficult to regulate, or no longer functioning as designed. In some areas, air handlers rely on obsolete pneumatic controls, while others operate without adequate return air or exhaust capacity, making humidity control difficult or impossible. Multiple rooftop air-conditioning units are listed as being at or beyond the end of their service life, with some units no longer operational.
The assessment calls for the replacement of all rooftop exhaust fan units on the east side of the facility, a sign that existing ventilation systems are no longer adequate to remove moisture from occupied spaces. Ceiling tiles in several areas are described as rusted, sagging, perforated, or falling apart, which are conditions typically associated with prolonged moisture exposure.
The report also identifies widespread rusting of metal door frames, transoms, and steel structural components, particularly at ground level, which is another indicator of chronic moisture problems inside the building. One of the most significant mold-related risks identified involves the prison's underground tunnel system, where aging steam and condensate lines run through areas lined with mineral buildup and in need of full replacement.
Health and environmental experts warn that surface-level fixes do not resolve mold problems when moisture sources, ventilation failures, and building envelope defects remain. Despite these documented issues, the Department of Corrections has repeatedly downplayed concerns about environmental health conditions at Huron Valley, including complaints from incarcerated women who report respiratory problems, skin reactions, and other symptoms consistent with mold exposure.
The assessment shows that many of the facility's most serious infrastructure problems were known internally before MDOC officials downplayed the problems. In July 2025, a federal judge found conditions at the prison so severe they may violate the Constitution, citing allegations that mold has caused respiratory infections, coughing, wheezing, rashes, dizziness, and fatigue.
Murphy's ruling stems from a 2019 lawsuit filed against the MDOC by Clark and inmates Paula Bailey and Hope Zentz, who allege the prison is "operating under a state of degradation, filth, and inhumanity, endangering the health and safety of incarcerated women." The report highlights the urgent need for comprehensive repairs to address these conditions and ensure the health and well-being of the prisoners.
A damning internal report by the Michigan Department of Corrections has exposed widespread mold problems at the state's only women's prison, contradicting public claims that conditions pose little cause for concern. The findings echo long-standing complaints from inmates, including Kyrstal Clark, who have described persistent mold, poor air circulation, chronic dampness, and respiratory and skin issues.
The FY2025 Five-Year Physical Assessment Plan, prepared by the department's Physical Plant Division, highlights numerous infrastructure failures that create ideal conditions for mold growth. Aging HVAC systems, moisture intrusion, failing ventilation, deteriorating building materials, and neglected mechanical systems are among the issues identified. These problems can allow mold to thrive even when surfaces are repeatedly cleaned or painted.
The report notes that air-handling systems at Huron Valley are outdated, difficult to regulate, or no longer functioning as designed. In some areas, air handlers rely on obsolete pneumatic controls, while others operate without adequate return air or exhaust capacity, making humidity control difficult or impossible. Multiple rooftop air-conditioning units are listed as being at or beyond the end of their service life, with some units no longer operational.
The assessment calls for the replacement of all rooftop exhaust fan units on the east side of the facility, a sign that existing ventilation systems are no longer adequate to remove moisture from occupied spaces. Ceiling tiles in several areas are described as rusted, sagging, perforated, or falling apart, which are conditions typically associated with prolonged moisture exposure.
The report also identifies widespread rusting of metal door frames, transoms, and steel structural components, particularly at ground level, which is another indicator of chronic moisture problems inside the building. One of the most significant mold-related risks identified involves the prison's underground tunnel system, where aging steam and condensate lines run through areas lined with mineral buildup and in need of full replacement.
Health and environmental experts warn that surface-level fixes do not resolve mold problems when moisture sources, ventilation failures, and building envelope defects remain. Despite these documented issues, the Department of Corrections has repeatedly downplayed concerns about environmental health conditions at Huron Valley, including complaints from incarcerated women who report respiratory problems, skin reactions, and other symptoms consistent with mold exposure.
The assessment shows that many of the facility's most serious infrastructure problems were known internally before MDOC officials downplayed the problems. In July 2025, a federal judge found conditions at the prison so severe they may violate the Constitution, citing allegations that mold has caused respiratory infections, coughing, wheezing, rashes, dizziness, and fatigue.
Murphy's ruling stems from a 2019 lawsuit filed against the MDOC by Clark and inmates Paula Bailey and Hope Zentz, who allege the prison is "operating under a state of degradation, filth, and inhumanity, endangering the health and safety of incarcerated women." The report highlights the urgent need for comprehensive repairs to address these conditions and ensure the health and well-being of the prisoners.
Moldy prison problems 
The state's only women's prison is a hot mess! 
All those aging HVAC systems, poor air circulation, and neglecting mechanical systems are creating an ideal mold-friendly environment 
. I mean, who wants to live in a damp, dirty place with respiratory issues? 
Not me, that's for sure 
. The fact that health experts say surface-level fixes won't work is no surprise 
. We need comprehensive repairs ASAP 
! Can't the state just get it together? 
. These inmates deserve so much better. The state needs to step up and fix this ASAP or someone is going to get seriously hurt 
and now, with this report coming out, it's like "oh no, we knew this all along" 
it's crazy that the state knew about these issues but downplayed them 
and now a federal judge is like "nope, you gotta fix this ASAP" 
but seriously, how many times do we have to see stuff like this before we act? 
I mean, I know infrastructure is hard to keep up, but can't we invest in making sure our prisons are safe and healthy for everyone? 
think its crazy that public claims about the prison being "good" or "safe" are so far from what's actually going on... like, i get it, dont wanna admit mistakes, but the fact remains, mold issues are real & ppl r paying the price for it 
. all those yrs of complaints from inmates & nobody does anything till someone else sues & gets the court involved... kinda feels like a never-ending cycle of neglect 
. gotta wonder what would happen if people who actually care about these women's health spoke up sooner 
. The fact that the report says surface-level fixes won't work is so true 
. You can't just fix the surface without addressing the root problems. It's like trying to put a band-aid on a broken leg 
.
! I'm all for giving those girls a healthy environment to live in 
.
. This needs to be fixed ASAP, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it will happen soon 
. We need to get our prisons fixed ASAP so everyone stays safe and healthy! 
cant believe the state isnt taking care of their own people its a shame we need to get the corrections dept to step up & fix these problems ASAP 
. Can't they get some help or something? I mean, we know that prisons can be tough places, but this is just ridiculous 
. The report sounds super thorough... I hope it leads to some real change around here