04/10/2020
We are so proud of all of our healthcare providers and wanted to spotlight Nurse Ashley Dowling, our site administrator for the Carroll County Tennessee Jail, as an example of our medical professionals going above and beyond. Ashley has been a nurse for ten years, has dedicated the last eight years to correctional nursing, and has worked at the Carroll County Jail for three years.
Out of COVID19 and the CDC’s recommendation of cloth masks, an idea was born: Ashley remembered that several female inmates at her facility had taken a sewing class offered by the facility last year. She approached jail administration about utilizing those skills to have inmates make masks for healthcare workers in the County and was encouraged to pursue the idea. In response, she located some cloth and watched online instructional videos to learn how to make the masks. With a little practice, a prototype was created that the inmates could reproduce.
Ashley estimates that 50-60 masks were made in the last week. Recently, a second sewing machine was added, which will increase production to 20 masks per day. The masks are being used by correctional officers, EMS, county workers, and a local nursing home.
Ashley also noted an additional benefit: she explained that making masks has given these ladies a sense of accomplishment and increased self-esteem knowing that they are creating something to help protect members of the community. She added that she has been impressed with their initiative and desire to help.
We are grateful for Ashley and all of our medical professionals.