California Medical Facility: An Overview
The California Medical Facility (CMF) is a male-only state prison located in Vacaville, California, that specializes in providing medical and psychiatric care to inmates within the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). Established in 1955, this medium-security facility plays a critical role in California’s prison healthcare system. It is equipped to handle inmates with various medical needs, including those living with chronic diseases, mental health disorders, and terminal illnesses. The prison also has specialty units, such as a hospice wing, psychiatric programs, and treatment for HIV-positive inmates.
With a capacity to house 2,318 inmates, CMF is known for its hospital facilities, psychiatric care, and rehabilitative programs that help inmates engage in productive activities during their incarceration. Inmates can participate in vocational training, educational programs, and rehabilitative workshops, such as bike refurbishment and braille transcription projects, fostering a sense of contribution to society.
Contact Information for California Medical Facility
If you need to reach CMF, the contact information is as follows:
Address:
1600 California Dr., Vacaville, CA 95687
Mailing Address for Inmates:
P.O. Box 2000, Vacaville, CA 95696-2000Phone Number: (707) 448-6841
Email: For specific queries, you can visit the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) website for direct email options related to visitation and other services.
Visiting Information at California Medical Facility
Visiting inmates at CMF is an important way to maintain family connections. The prison allows visits on Fridays from 11:30 AM to 6:30 PM and Saturdays from 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM.
What to Bring:
- A valid government-issued photo ID.
- No cell phones or personal electronics are permitted.
- You may bring a small amount of money for vending machines, provided it adheres to the prison’s guidelines.
Visit Experience: Visits are monitored for security purposes, and all visitors are subject to a dress code and a search upon entry. Expect the visit to last a few hours, depending on scheduling and availability.
How to Book a Visit at California Medical Facility
To book a visit, you’ll need to complete the following steps:
- Ensure the inmate has approved you on their visitor list.
- Schedule your visit via the CDCR’s online visitation scheduling system or by phone.
- Bring a valid ID on the day of the visit and adhere to dress code policies.
- Only three visitors are allowed per inmate during any given visit.
You will need the inmate’s CDCR number and basic personal information to complete the booking process.
How to Get to California Medical Facility
The facility is located in Vacaville, between Sacramento and San Francisco, making it accessible via Interstate 80. Parking is available on-site for visitors, though it is advisable to arrive early due to limited parking spaces during peak visiting hours.
Directions: From I-80, take the Vacaville/California Dr. exit and follow the signs for the facility.
Life Inside California Medical Facility and Recent News
For inmates, life at California Medical Facility revolves around medical treatment, rehabilitative activities, and educational programs. With specialized care units like psychiatric programs and a hospice for terminally ill inmates, CMF focuses on both mental and physical well-being. The facility has also pioneered several projects, such as the Blind Project and the Bike Refurbishment Program, allowing inmates to give back to the community.
Recent news highlights include ongoing debates around prison healthcare, particularly CMF’s role in providing comprehensive medical services to some of the state’s most medically vulnerable inmates
Famous Prisoners at California Medical Facility
Several notorious inmates have passed through the CMF, including:
- Charles Manson, the infamous cult leader, who spent time here in the 1970s due to mental health issues
- Timothy Leary, a psychologist and prominent figure in the 1960s counterculture movement, was incarcerated here in the early 1970s
- Jim Gordon, drummer for Derek and the Dominos, who was sentenced for the murder of his mother, also spent his last days at CMF before passing away in 2023
FAQs About California Medical Facility
1. What kind of prison is California Medical Facility?
CMF is a male-only, medium-security facility focused on providing medical and psychiatric care.
2. How do I contact an inmate at California Medical Facility?
You can write to inmates at P.O. Box 2000, Vacaville, CA 95696-2000, making sure to include their CDCR number.
3. What are the visiting hours at California Medical Facility?
Visiting hours are Friday from 11:30 AM to 6:30 PM and Saturday from 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM.
4. Can I send gifts to an inmate?
No, CMF does not allow gifts or packages. Only money orders can be sent for canteen purchases.
5. How do I book a visit?
Use the CDCR’s online system or contact the facility directly to schedule a visit.
6. Are there educational programs for inmates at CMF?
Yes, CMF offers educational and vocational training, including the Braille and Bike Refurbishment Programs.
7. What is the facility’s capacity?
CMF has a capacity of 2,318 inmates.
8. Does CMF provide hospice care?
Yes, CMF has a hospice unit for terminally ill inmates.
9. What are the rules for sending money to an inmate?
You can send money orders to the Inmate Trust Office at P.O. Box 2500, Vacaville, CA 95696-2500.
10. Who is the warden at CMF?
The current warden is Daniel Cueva
Conclusion
The California Medical Facility is a vital institution within California’s prison system, providing critical care for inmates with a range of medical and psychiatric needs. With a legacy stretching back to 1955, the facility offers not only medical care but also rehabilitation opportunities that help inmates contribute positively to society during their incarceration.
For more information, visit the official California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation website.