Alabama's prison system is widely recognized
for its systemic problems and deplorable conditions. Life is hell
for Alabama inmates diagnosed with HIV or AIDS, as spending per prisoner
is ranked 50th in the nation and last in terms of spending on medical
care. Their days are lived out in Limestone Prison's drafty corrugated-metal
dormitory, where they're quarantined from other inmates and prison
activities. HIV/AIDS prisoners line up outside in the cold three times
a day to receive their medications. The first "pill call" occurs at
3 a.m. If one is too sick to get up and stand in line, they miss their
meds.
