Synopsis: Correctional facilities shifted their traditional industries programs to the production of masks, plastic face shields, and other PPE in early March. Once enough PPE was made for the Department of Corrections’ needs they began giving supplies to homeless shelters, day centers, residential programs, nonprofits, county jails, and state agencies at no cost.
Ken Lindsey, industry manager at the Warren prison, was in communication with the National Correctional Industries Association (NCIA) on a daily basis in early March, sharing information and ideas with prison industries programs in other states. They brainstormed about design, process, and how to get materials like fabric and elastic when everything from traditional vendors was back-ordered for months.
