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 Ironwood State Prison.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Ironwood State 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 Ironwood State Prison.

Frequently asked questions about Ironwood State 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 Ironwood State Prison.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Ironwood State 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 Ironwood State 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 Ironwood State 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 Ironwood State 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 Ironwood State Prison?

   Mailing address:

   Ironwood State Prison
   19005 Wiley's Well Road
   Blythe, CA 92225
   Phone: (760) 921-3000

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 6:15 AM – 2:15 PM
   • Tuesday: 6:15 AM – 2:15 PM
   • Wednesday: 6:15 AM – 2:15 PM
   • Thursday: 6:15 AM – 2:15 PM
   • Friday: 6:15 AM – 2:15 PM
   • Saturday: 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Sunday: 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at Ironwood State Prison?

   Visiting hours at Ironwood State 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 (760) 921-3000 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 Ironwood State 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 Ironwood State Prison for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Ironwood State Prison?

   You can send money to an inmate at Ironwood State 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 Ironwood State Prison?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Ironwood State 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 Ironwood State 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 Ironwood State 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 Ironwood State 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

The comprehensive rehabilitation approach at Ironwood State Prison encompasses a diverse range of vocational training programs designed to prepare incarcerated individuals for successful reentry. The facility provides hands-on training in high-demand trades including carpentry, electronics, masonry, plumbing, auto mechanics, welding, auto body repair, building maintenance, and office services technology. These vocational programs work alongside academic offerings such as Adult Basic Education (ABE I and II), GED preparation, and independent study courses to address both practical skills and educational advancement needs.

Substance abuse treatment and mental health support form a cornerstone of the facility's programming through the Integrated Substance Use Disorder Treatment (ISUDT) program, which provides evidence-based treatment pathways including Cognitive Behavioral Interventions. The rehabilitation programming extends to numerous peer support and counseling groups, including Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Veterans Group Ironwood, Criminals and Gangs Anonymous, and the Alternatives to Violence program. Specialized initiatives such as the Father2Child Literacy Program, Great Dads, and the Victim Offender Education Group address family relationships and community responsibility.

The facility typically may offer additional support services common to California correctional institutions, including medical and dental care, mental health counseling, library services, and recreational activities. Religious and spiritual programs often include various faith-based services and meditation practices, while reentry preparation programs may provide assistance with job placement, housing resources, and community transition planning to support successful rehabilitation outcomes.

Daily Life & Visitation

Inmates at Ironwood State Prison in Blythe, California, typically begin their days with structured routines that revolve around the facility's extensive programming schedule. Those enrolled in vocational training programs such as carpentry, welding, or auto mechanics may start early with hands-on instruction, while others participate in academic courses including GED preparation or independently guided study. The prison's comprehensive rehabilitation offerings mean that many residents spend significant portions of their day in group sessions, whether attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, participating in the Alternatives to Violence program, or engaging in specialized initiatives like the Father2Child Literacy Program or meditation sessions through Siddha Yoga or Buddhist Pathways programs.

Communication with family and friends forms a vital part of inmates' daily experience at ISP. Correspondence typically flows through the facility's inmate mailing address at P.O. Box 2199, Blythe, CA 92226, while families can contact the institution directly at (760) 921-3000 for general inquiries. The prison's location on Wiley's Well Road in Blythe provides a desert setting that may influence recreational activities and outdoor programming when available. Evening hours often include additional program participation, personal time for letter writing or reading, and preparation for the following day's scheduled activities.

For those enrolled in the Integrated Substance Use Disorder Treatment (ISUDT) program, daily life includes intensive therapeutic components requiring two hours per day, five days per week of structured treatment activities. This evidence-based program, implemented in 2020, represents a significant time commitment that shapes participants' daily schedules alongside other institutional routines. The facility's diverse programming menu, from the Community Based Art Program to the Anti-Recidivism Coalition, means that many inmates maintain busy schedules focused on skill development, personal growth, and preparation for eventual reintegration into their communities.