How to Send Messages to Inmates

You can use your phone or computer to send emails, letters, and photos to an inmate. Messages are sent electronically to inmate tablets or kiosks at the facility. If you would like to send a message, start by searching for an inmate at Blair County Prison.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Blair County Prison is to send photos and postcards. It only takes a few minutes to send photos from your phone and it makes a huge difference. You can also mail postcards with words of support and inspiration, or design your own postcard for special moments like birthdays and holidays.

Important! Be sure not to send any explicit photos or they may not be approved by the facility. You can also use a photo printing app like Penmate to make sure your photos are printed at the correct size (4x6 or 3x5) and are mailed according to the rules and regulations of Blair County Prison.

Frequently asked questions about Blair County Prison

1. How long does it take to deliver a message?

   If you're sending an email message your letter is usually delivered within 24-48 hours. For messages sent via mail you should expect delivery within 3-7 days. All messages will need be approved by Blair County Prison.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Blair County Prison?

   You can send a message free using your phone or mail a message via USPS for the price of a $0.60 stamp and envelope. You can also purchase credits or e-stamps from services starting at $1.99.

3. What services can I use to contact an inmate at Blair County Prison?

   Penmate

   You can use Penmate to send letters and photos to an inmate from your phone. It's an easy way to stay in touch during your loved one's incarceration. Use the inmate locator to find an inmate's location and contact information, then you can send messages within a few minutes.

   Securus messaging

   Securus may be another option for communicating with an inmate at Blair County Prison. You can create a friends and family account and purchase credits to send messages. All messages will be reviewed and must be approved by the facility.

   JPay

   Some county jails and state prisons may support sending messages with JPay. You must register an account with the system, find your loved one, and purchase stamps to send messages. For some locations you can also attach photos.

   Smart Jail Mail

   You may also check if Smart Jail Mail is available at Blair County Prison. Smart Jail Mail is operated by Smart Communications and has contracted with some state and county jails. After purchasing credits, your messages and photos are sent to the facility, printed out, and then handed out to your loved one.

4. What is the mailing address of Blair County Prison?

   Mailing address:

   Blair County Prison
   419 Market Square Aly
   Hollidaysburg, PA 16648
   Phone: (814) 693-3155

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Open 24 hours
   • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
   • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
   • Thursday: Open 24 hours
   • Friday: Open 24 hours
   • Saturday: Open 24 hours
   • Sunday: Open 24 hours

5. What are the visiting hours at Blair County Prison?

   Visiting hours at Blair County Prison vary by housing unit and security level. Generally, visits are scheduled on weekends and holidays, with some facilities offering weekday visits. Contact the facility directly at (814) 693-3155 or check their website for the current visiting schedule. Visits typically last 30-60 minutes and must be scheduled in advance.

6. What items are prohibited when sending mail to Blair County Prison?

   Prohibited items typically include: cash, personal checks, stamps, stickers, glitter, glue, tape, staples, paperclips, polaroid photos, musical or blank greeting cards, hardcover books, magazines with staples, and any items containing metal or electronics. Only send letters on plain white paper with blue or black ink. Photos must be printed on regular photo paper (no Polaroids). Always check with Blair County Prison for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Blair County Prison?

   You can send money to an inmate at Blair County Prison through several methods: 1) Online using JPay, Access Corrections, or the facility's approved vendor, 2) Money orders mailed directly to the facility with the inmate's name and ID number, 3) Kiosks located in the facility lobby, or 4) Over the phone using a credit or debit card. Fees vary by method, typically ranging from $2.95 to $11.95 per transaction.

8. Can I schedule a video visit with an inmate at Blair County Prison?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Blair County Prison, video visits may be available through services like Penmate, Securus Video Connect, GTL, or ICSolutions. Video visits typically cost $10-20 for 20-30 minutes and must be scheduled in advance. You'll need a computer or smartphone with a camera and reliable internet connection. Contact the facility for their specific video visitation policies and approved vendors.

9. What identification do I need to visit an inmate at Blair County Prison?

   All visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who can provide the minor's birth certificate. Some facilities require visitors to be on the inmate's approved visitation list, which may require a background check. Contact Blair County Prison for specific ID requirements and visitor approval procedures.

10. How can I find out an inmate's release date?

    To find an inmate's release date at Blair County Prison, you can: 1) Use the online inmate search tool if available, 2) Call the facility's records department, 3) Contact the inmate's case manager or counselor, or 4) Have the inmate provide this information during a call or visit. For privacy reasons, some facilities only release this information to immediate family members.

Programs & Services

Communication and mail services form a cornerstone of the inmate support system at Blair County Prison in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. The facility operates comprehensive mail processing procedures that include security screening while maintaining inmates’ connections to family and legal counsel. Through partnerships with TextBehind mail services, the prison facilitates correspondence while ensuring safety protocols are followed, including the opening of general mail for contraband inspection and the handling of legal mail in the inmate’s presence.

The facility typically provides educational and vocational programming designed to support rehabilitation and reentry preparation. Inmates may have access to basic literacy courses, GED preparation programs, and job readiness training that helps develop essential workplace skills. Counseling services often include substance abuse treatment programs, mental health support, and behavioral modification courses that address underlying issues contributing to criminal behavior. These programs are commonly supplemented by religious services and chaplaincy support for those seeking spiritual guidance during their incarceration.

Blair County Prison likely offers additional support services such as medical and dental care, library access, and recreational activities that promote physical and mental well-being. The facility may also provide reentry planning assistance, helping inmates prepare for their return to the community through case management services and connections to local resources. Visitation programs and commissary services help maintain family relationships and provide inmates with necessary personal items, while the Jail ATM system streamlines the process for families to add funds to inmate accounts for these purchases.

Daily Life & Visitation

Communication with loved ones forms a central part of the experience for individuals housed at Blair County Prison in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. The facility has implemented specific procedures for maintaining family connections, with personal mail now processed through a centralized location in Phoenix, Maryland, while legal correspondence and publications continue to be sent directly to the facility on Market Square Alley. Inmates typically receive up to two book deliveries per week, though all reading materials must come directly from publishers to ensure security protocols are maintained.

The structured environment at Blair County Prison operates under clear guidelines that affect daily routines and interactions. All incoming correspondence undergoes security screening, with staff checking letters for contraband while legal mail is opened in the inmate’s presence to preserve attorney-client privilege. Financial transactions have been modernized through the Jail ATM system, replacing traditional money orders as the primary method for family members to support their incarcerated loved ones. Inmates may find their daily schedule includes time for reading approved materials, participating in available programming, and maintaining family relationships through the established communication channels.

Visitation and family connection opportunities are typically structured around the facility’s security requirements and operational needs. While specific visiting hours and procedures may vary, Pennsylvania correctional facilities generally provide scheduled opportunities for family members to maintain personal contact with inmates. The facility’s location in Hollidaysburg allows for family access while maintaining the security measures necessary for safe operations, including restrictions on package deliveries and requirements for pre-approval when inmates wish to correspond with individuals housed in other correctional institutions.