FCI McDowell Medium and Satellite Camp

You can support your loved ones at FCI McDowell on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 304-436-7300.

When a loved one is in federal prison, they need more than just visits or calls due to their generally longer sentences. This webpage offers insights into FCI McDowell procedures, helping you provide the best support possible. From sending magazines to exploring distance learning options, this guide has all you need to assist your loved one effectively.

The Federal Correctional Institution, McDowell (FCI McDowell) is situated in southeastern West Virginia, serving as a medium-security federal prison for male offenders. Operated by the Bureau of Prisons (BOP), it includes an adjacent satellite prison camp (SCP) for minimum-security male inmates. The facility's housing units are organized into two two-story wings, comprising three housing units with two-person cells each. Additionally, there's a Special Housing Unit, where inmates at the camp reside in dormitories. Despite being within the city limits of Welch, FCI McDowell lies approximately four miles north of the city center in a detached rural area.

Opened in 2011, FCI McDowell is one of the newer federal correctional institutions. Its construction in 2010, at a cost of around $223 million, was met with support from McDowell County residents due to the anticipated job opportunities for the economically challenged county. Initially, inmates assigned to the minimum-security prison camp were immediately engaged in maintenance jobs upon arrival.

In terms of healthcare, inmates at FCI McDowell receive dental calls, sick calls, routine dental care, physical examinations, emergency services, eyeglasses/contact lenses, diagnosis, and treatment of chronic infectious diseases, preventive healthcare services, and medications.

The FCI McDowell Psychology Department offers various services, including individual counseling, educational and therapeutic groups, and a self-help library program. Inmates have access to materials aimed at assisting and motivating them in self-improvement efforts, with certificates awarded upon successful completion of corresponding assignments. A psychiatrist is available for medication-related needs, while voluntary groups conducted by correctional counselors offer alternatives for inmates with personal problems.

While FCI McDowell doesn't house a Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP), referrals can be made to institutions offering RDAP. The facility provides a Drug Education Class and the Non-Residential Drug Abuse Program (NR-DAP).

Educational opportunities encompass literacy, English-as-a-Second Language (ESL), and parenting programs, with Adult Continuing Education (ACE) classes available. High school diplomas and post-secondary programs are accessible through paid correspondence programs.

Vocational training options at FCI McDowell include Carpentry, Masonry, and Residential Wiring, along with an apprenticeship in Dental Assistant. Both facilities offer apprenticeships in Cook, Electrical, HVAC, Plumber, and Teacher Assistant.

The law library at FCI McDowell contains various legal reference materials, including the United States Code Annotated, Federal Reporter, Supreme Court Reporter, and Bureau of Prisons program statements. Inmates also have access to fiction and nonfiction books, newspapers, and magazines.

Commissary spending is limited to $360.00 per month, with weekly purchasing opportunities for items like candy, snacks, food, drinks, clothing, and shoes. Here is a current list and prices of items sold at the commissary in FCI McDowell.

Recreation activities at FCI McDowell encompass indoor and outdoor programs, ranging from arts and crafts to intramural team sports and physical fitness and weight reduction programs, providing inmates with diverse leisure opportunities.