DES MOINES, Iowa- The Iowa Department of Corrections says 75-prison inmates, have been making thousands of masks, gowns, and face shields, to help protect health care workers and others against COVID-19. Inmates at the State Penitentiary are making face shields, those at the Fort Dodge Correctional Facility are making masks and gowns, and inmates at the Iowa Correctional Institution for Women in Mitchellville are making hand sanitizer, thanks to a partnership with Iowa's ethanol industry.
Corrections Spokesman Cord Overton says the inmates, working thru Iowa Prison Industries, have manufactured thousands of Personal Protective Equipment, and more than 7,000 gallons of hand sanitizer.
He says the items will be used by the Corrections Department and other state agencies, as well as V-A Hospital, and made available to health care workers across the state.