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 Red Onion State Prison.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Red Onion 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 Red Onion State Prison.

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

   Mailing address:

   Red Onion State Prison
   10800 H Jack Rose Hwy
   Pound, VA 24279
   Phone: (276) 796-7510

   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 Red Onion State Prison?

   Visiting hours at Red Onion 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 (276) 796-7510 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 Red Onion 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 Red Onion State Prison for their specific mail policies.

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

   You can send money to an inmate at Red Onion 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 Red Onion State Prison?

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

Based on the available information, Red Onion State Prison operates as a supermax facility within the Virginia Department of Corrections system, which typically means that programming and services are more limited compared to lower-security institutions. As a supermax facility housing approximately many individuals, the prison may offer basic educational services and limited programming designed to address the specific needs of its high-security population.

Given the facility’s supermax classification, educational programs likely focus on fundamental literacy and GED preparation through correspondence courses or limited classroom instruction. The prison may provide basic library services and access to legal materials, which are essential for inmates navigating the appeals process. Mental health services are typically a priority in supermax facilities, and Red Onion may offer counseling services, psychiatric care, and crisis intervention programs to address the psychological challenges associated with restrictive housing environments. Religious services and chaplaincy programs are commonly available to provide spiritual support and guidance.

The facility’s programming structure is generally designed around the security requirements of a supermax institution, meaning that many services may be delivered through individual or small-group settings rather than large congregate programs. Vocational training opportunities, if available, would likely be limited to basic maintenance skills or institutional work assignments. The Virginia Department of Corrections system often emphasizes reentry preparation, so Red Onion may provide case management services and discharge planning for inmates transitioning to lower-security facilities or eventual release, though the supermax environment presents comprehensive challenges for traditional rehabilitation programming.

Daily Life & Visitation

At Red Onion State Prison, a supermax facility housing approximately many individuals in Virginia’s Wise County, the structured environment reflects the high-security nature of this correctional institution. The facility, which opened in August 1998 and operates under the Virginia Department of Corrections, maintains strict protocols that govern every aspect of an inmate’s day. Given the supermax classification, residents typically experience more restrictive conditions than those found in lower-security facilities, with limited movement and heightened supervision throughout their daily routines.

The remote location near Pound, Virginia, may present challenges for family connections, though the Virginia Department of Corrections typically provides visitation opportunities within established security parameters. Inmates at supermax facilities often have restricted visitation schedules and may communicate with loved ones through monitored phone calls and correspondence systems. The facility’s design, which was modeled after similar supermax institutions, likely includes individual cells where inmates spend the majority of their time, with carefully scheduled periods for meals, recreation, and any available programming or educational opportunities.

While specific details about current programs at Red Onion State Prison may vary, Virginia correctional facilities often work to provide some form of educational services, mental health support, and basic recreational activities within the constraints of the security level. The facility’s substantial staff, which numbered nearly 800 employees as of 1999, helps maintain the complex operations required to safely manage this high-security population. For families seeking to maintain contact with inmates, the Virginia Department of Corrections website typically provides current information about visitation policies, approved communication methods, and any available support services.