Who We Are / What We Do

The Utah Prisoner Advocate Network is a 501(c)3 nonprofit and all-volunteer grassroots community outreach organization that aims to simplify the incarceration process for the inmates’ supporters—while also advocating for better conditions inside Utah jails and prisons. We do this primarily through monthly support meetings, an open dialogue with the Utah Department of Corrections, legislative advocacy, guest speakers, coalition forming, and a shared network of useful resources.

UPAN is also a proud coalition member of People Not Prisons, a group of advocacy organizations working on behalf of people with mental health conditions, people recovering from substance use disorders, and men and women caught up in Utah’s criminal justice system. UPAN is the 2014 Recipient of the ACLU of Utah Torch of Freedom Award for raising awareness about criminal justice reform.

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A new Clinical Power of Attorney form promises to give inmates more control over when and how medical information can be shared with their families

September 15, 2017 By Mike McAinsh

For years, families have looked on from afar in frustration as their incarcerated loved one suffered due to poor clinical practices. If they called the prison to find answers, they were met with an excuse such as, “Due to your son’s right to privacy, we cannot discuss his medical condition with … Continue Reading