Monday, March 15, 2010

Are Fed Captors Denying Life-Saving Medicine to Fincher?

MOWCA Blog says they are:
Even before Wayne’s arrest, he had health issues that included Pericardial effusion (excess fluid around the heart). The Federal Government knew this as soon as they took Wayne into custody. Wayne must take medication to reduce the fluid build-up around his heart. The specific drug he takes is Lasix.

However, over the last month, the people who run the Forrest City facility claim they cannot get (or afford) the drug Lasix so Wayne cannot get his medication. Hence, they have refused to give Wayne the medication he requires.

I thought it was a requirement. This sounds like, among other things, the legal definition of deliberate indifference. We need to figure out what we can do about this without delay.

The local newspaper is the Times-Herald of Forrest City. They're likely to have far more influence than a handful of gun blogs. Please join me--right now--in asking them to investigate and shine a light on this:


I addressed my email to the publisher and managing editor. Their edresses are listed in the above link to the paper.

Do this right now. It sounds like a man's life is at stake. I should not have to say "please." And pass this on to others.

MOWCA has also posted the docket.

If you're new to WarOnGuns and don't know Wayne Fincher's story, feel free to explore my archive.

1 comment:

Gaviota said...

Here's my request to the paper:

[Intro paragraph requesting investigation of Wayne Fincher's medical situation]

In furtherance of your investigation, I offer the following information: I am a registered nurse who has worked in an Arkansas state prison, so I'm familiar with the system. As you may be aware, Lasix (furosemide) is only one of many diuretics that can be used to treat pericardial (and pleural) effusion, as well as hypertension and various kidney diseases. Every prison clinic has a doctor on contract, and every prison gets it's drugs shipped in, pre-packaged, from the state's central pharmacy on the contract doctor's orders. Every pharmacy has a formulary, a list of drugs that they stock. The doctor can order any drug on the pharmacy formulary that will serve to treat the patient.

So, what I'd like to know is this: Is Wayne Fincher getting another, cheaper diuretic from the pharmacy, or is there credible evidence that this or any other of his medications are illegally being withheld, to his physical detriment? All you have to do is get the prison clinic personnel to show you Wayne's Medication Administration Record, with every drug that he has been prescribed, and every time he's taken it. You can meet HIPPA privacy requirements by acquiring Wayne's permission, which I believe he'll be glad to give you.

Thank you for your attention.