The Untold Story of Anamosa State Penitentiary: Black Mold, Health Risks, and Our Fight for Justice

For months, I have held back sharing the full truth about the dangerous conditions my husband Joseph Killmer and many other inmates face at Anamosa State Penitentiary. Today, I am breaking that silence to bring public attention to the ongoing health and constitutional crises inside this facility — beginning with a serious black mold infestation that threatens the well-being of Joseph and countless others.

Black Mold: A Hidden Danger

One of the most alarming issues at Anamosa is the presence of black mold, particularly in the prison showers. Black mold exposure is well-documented to cause a variety of severe health problems, including respiratory issues, allergic reactions, and exacerbation of chronic conditions.

Joseph has a documented history of asthma and has repeatedly experienced worsening symptoms due to the mold-infested environment. Despite multiple requests, prison medical staff have refused to provide him with a necessary inhaler, directly putting his health at risk.

Impact on Joseph’s Health

The continuous exposure to black mold has caused Joseph serious breathing difficulties, and his medical needs have been systematically ignored or denied by prison staff. This neglect is not only dangerous but constitutes a violation of his constitutional rights to adequate medical care.

Legal Action: Our Injunction Against Anamosa

In response to these conditions, I filed an injunction seeking immediate relief for Joseph and other inmates. The injunction highlights several constitutional violations, including:

• Denial of adequate medical care, specifically the refusal to provide asthma treatment.

• Unsafe living conditions due to black mold and unsanitary environments.

• Unlawful and extended solitary confinement beyond authorized limits.

Anamosa’s Attorney Response

The prison’s legal counsel has filed motions opposing the injunction. Their arguments include:

• Denying the existence or severity of the black mold problem.

• Claiming that medical care provided meets constitutional standards.

• Arguing that disciplinary actions, including solitary confinement, comply with prison policies.

These motions attempt to downplay or dismiss the serious issues we’ve raised, but the facts and evidence tell a different story.

Why This Matters

This fight is about much more than just Joseph. It’s about ensuring humane treatment and constitutional protections for all incarcerated individuals at Anamosa. The conditions I’ve witnessed and documented represent systemic failures that cannot be ignored.

What’s Next

I will continue to share updates as this legal battle progresses and push for accountability and reform. Public awareness is critical. Please share this story and stand with me in demanding justice for Joseph and everyone suffering behind those walls.

Contact & Support

If you want to learn more, support this cause, or have information about Anamosa State Penitentiary, please reach out to me at kilmerizzy@gmail.com.

JOE KILLMER