Inmates throughout the state have been telling the leadership of the Tennessee Department of Correction about their desire to help Tennessee slow down and stop the spread of COVID-19. TDOC, after discussions with TRICOR, its industrial partner, was able to present those at the Morgan County Correctional Complex and West Tennessee State Penitentiary the opportunity to get involved by utilizing the TRICOR textile facilities at both prisons to manufacture personal protective equipment (PPE).
According to a TDOC news release, inmates at MCCX have been manufacturing protective face masks as protective gowns are being manufactured at WTSP since last Friday. The materials for the PPE is a type of material often used for protection on construction sites known as Tyvek, which was donated by Lowe’s Home Improvement.
The release said over 2,000 masks and over 800 gowns have been made and donated since March 27. TDOC estimates approximately 1,000 to 1,500 masks and 200 plus gowns will be made daily.
“It has been a blessing to make these gowns,” said one inmate at WTSP. “Our work is helping someone in the community and it could even help our loved ones. It’s uplifting knowing we can help, and we pray that everyone gets better soon.”
The PPEs are being shipped to TEMA, which is distributing the PPE to medical facilities throughout the state that are in the greatest need for them.
This isn’t the first time inmates have stepped up to help others, according to the TDOC.
In prisons across the state, inmates came together to raise more than $1,000 for tornado relief efforts, last month. Their donations were made to the Second Harvest Food Bank and the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.
TDOC said the inmates came up with the idea of joining together to donate funds from their individual trust fund accounts in order to help their fellow Tennesseans.