Many North Carolina's Prisons and Jails Still Lack Air Conditioning

When a heat wave hits, most of us can turn on the air conditioning. But for thousands of people in North Carolina's prisons and jails, that's not an option.

This hidden problem is getting more dangerous as our climate changes.

State Prisons: A Race Against the Heat

North Carolina has been working to put air conditioning in its state prisons. It’s a huge, expensive job because many of these buildings are old. The state is spending a lot of money to fix this. They started with 34% of beds having no AC in 2024. Today, that number has dropped to about 21%. That's a good step, but it still leaves thousands of people in the heat. The goal is to have all of these places with AC by early 2026.

Here is a list of state prisons with no air conditioning in some or all parts of their buildings, according to the latest information available from the state:

Craggy Correctional Center (Installation in progress)

Johnston Correctional Institution

Lincoln Correctional Center

Avery Mitchell Correctional Institution (Partially air-conditioned)

Columbus Correctional Institution (Installation in progress)

Craven Correctional Institution (Installation in progress)

Franklin Correctional Center (Installation in progress)

Gaston Correctional Center (Installation in progress)

Harnett Correctional Institution (Installation in progress)

Lumberton Correctional Institution (Installation in progress)

North Carolina Correctional Institution for Women (Partially air-conditioned)

Tyrrell Prison Work Farm (Installation in progress)

This list is as accurate as we could find, but the situation is always changing as the state works to install new systems.

What About the Rest of the Country?

North Carolina's problem is not a small one. It's part of a bigger issue across the country. More than half of all states—44, to be exact—do not have a rule that says prisons must have air conditioning. This leaves about 1.8 million people in the U.S. facing dangerous heat. In some states like Texas and Florida, the problem is even worse, with most prisons lacking any cooling systems. They have had to go to court just to try and get AC.

The Hidden Problem of Jails

Beyond state prisons, there's another group of facilities: county jails. These are run by each county, not the state. This means there is no statewide rule about air conditioning.

Some counties have newer jails with good cooling. But many older jails do not. The decision to add AC is up to each county's budget and leaders. It’s a problem that often goes unnoticed, even though people in these jails are also stuck in the heat.

A Hotter Future
Our climate is getting hotter. In North Carolina, this isn't just a future problem; it's happening now. This week's heat wave was four to five times more likely to happen because of climate change. Summers are getting hotter, and dangerously hot days are becoming more common. This is a fact, and it affects everyone.

For people in prison, this is a matter of health. Extreme heat can lead to heat stroke, dehydration, and kidney problems. It can also make mental health issues worse and lead to more stress and aggression. People with health problems, older people, and those in small, closed cells are at the greatest risk.

Incarcerated people have very little power to protect themselves from the heat. They can't just go outside for a break or take a cool shower whenever they want. This is why their health is tied to the buildings they are in.

The lack of air conditioning in our correctional facilities is a serious public health issue. It is a reality for thousands of people in North Carolina, and it’s a problem that will only get more urgent as our world heats up.