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 Eastern Ohio Correction Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Eastern Ohio Correction Center 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 Eastern Ohio Correction Center.

Frequently asked questions about Eastern Ohio Correction Center

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 Eastern Ohio Correction Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Eastern Ohio Correction Center?

   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 Eastern Ohio Correction Center?

   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 Eastern Ohio Correction Center. 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 Eastern Ohio Correction Center. 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 Eastern Ohio Correction Center?

   Mailing address:

   Eastern Ohio Correction Center
   470 OH-43
   Wintersville, OH 43953
   Phone: (740) 765-4324

   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 Eastern Ohio Correction Center?

   Visiting hours at Eastern Ohio Correction Center 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 (740) 765-4324 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 Eastern Ohio Correction Center?

   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 Eastern Ohio Correction Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Eastern Ohio Correction Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Eastern Ohio Correction Center 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 Eastern Ohio Correction Center?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Eastern Ohio Correction Center, 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 Eastern Ohio Correction Center?

   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 Eastern Ohio Correction Center 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 Eastern Ohio Correction Center, 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

Community-based rehabilitation takes center stage at Eastern Ohio Correction Center, where comprehensive programming serves non-violent, low-level felony offenders as an alternative to traditional incarceration. Operating under the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction’s Bureau of Community Sanctions, this facility focuses on empowering individuals to reach their full potential through structured residential treatment. The center’s approach emphasizes positive change not dedicated for participants but also for their families and future generations, creating a ripple effect that strengthens community safety.

The facility typically provides a range of educational and vocational services designed to prepare residents for successful reintegration into society. Programs may include adult basic education, GED preparation, job readiness training, and skills development workshops that align with local employment opportunities. Counseling services often encompass substance abuse treatment, mental health support, cognitive-behavioral programming, and life skills development. Given the facility’s community-based model, residents may also participate in work release programs, community service projects, and supervised activities that help maintain family connections while serving their sentences.

With separate facilities in Wintersville and Lisbon serving male and female populations respectively, Eastern Ohio Correction Center serves multiple counties including Belmont, Carroll, Columbiana, Guernsey, Harrison, and Jefferson, with additional coverage extending to Monroe, Noble, and Tuscarawas counties. The center’s six-month residential program structure allows for intensive intervention while maintaining community ties, supporting the facility’s vision of creating healthier communities through individual transformation and reduced recidivism rates.

Daily Life & Visitation

Residents at Eastern Ohio Correction Center begin each day within a structured environment designed to foster positive change and community reintegration. The facility operates on a comprehensive programming model that emphasizes personal development and accountability, with residents typically following scheduled routines that may include educational sessions, work assignments, and therapeutic programming throughout their stay of up to six months.

The Wintersville facility houses up to 86 male residents, while the Lisbon facility accommodates up to 40 female residents, both operating as secure residential environments that maintain connection to the community. Family engagement often plays an important role in the rehabilitation process, with visitation policies typically designed to support healthy relationships while maintaining facility security. Residents may have opportunities to participate in various programs aimed at developing life skills, addressing underlying issues, and preparing for successful reentry into their communities across the six member counties of Belmont, Carroll, Columbiana, Guernsey, Harrison, and Jefferson.

As one of nineteen Community-Based Correctional Facilities in Ohio, EOCC operates under the oversight of The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction and The Bureau of Community Sanctions. The daily structure typically balances accountability measures with programming opportunities, allowing residents to work toward their full potential while serving their community-sanction sentence. The facility’s approach emphasizes creating positive changes not dedicated for the individuals in residence but also for their families and future generations, contributing to healthier communities throughout eastern Ohio.