Sheriff Raphael Washington hit the streets of Detroit with trucks filled to the brim with warm blankets for cold Detroiters. The Sheriff's caravan of warmth included Radio Icon Mildred Gaddis (105.9 fm), Geniene Holmes (Founder of Hearts of Humanity Michigan which donated the 1,000 blankets and also warm scarfs) and a cadre of volunteer Sheriff's CERT Reserves and WCSO volunteers. The cold temperatures were unable to dampen the warm spirit that flowed as grateful citizens accepted the blankets and well wishes. The team visited local missions, shelters and a church, all known to help individuals in need and even stopped by the Rosa Parks Transit Center to catch up with riders enroute to their destinations. Sheriff Washington intends to conduct more giveaways to citizens in need throughout Wayne County, especially during times of hardship like the current bitter cold snap.

“We hope to get as many blankets as we can to individuals in need at targeted locations,” said Sheriff Washington. “If we have any left we’ve communicated with several social service agencies and shelters to make sure they’re distributed. We don’t want anyone succumbing to these numbing temperatures. We know those who are homeless need them, but we also don’t want to forget those who have homes but may be suffering from inadequate heating.”

Since March 2020, the WCSO has implemented targeted action to prevent COVID-19 outbreaks in the jails and public access facilities around Wayne County.  Continuous sanitization, health safety mandates and nasal swab testing for personnel and inmates are among several measures that have resulted in low infection rates garnering national attention for the agency. 

In a news report focusing on jails in the region facing litigation over mitigation efforts, WC Jails were cited as exemplary, specifically “…Wayne County Jail’s COVID-19 Protocols have been held up by the CDC as an exemplary model.”

Wayne County Chief Judge Timothy Kenny has worked closely with Chief of Jails Robert Dunlap and other jail officials to ensure that as many inmates as possible can be released (as long as they meet specific criteria with regard to public safety). Reduced inmate population—along with bi-weekly mandatory covid testing (on-site and driveup) and vaccinations for personnel—are helping to keep positive cases in Wayne County jails, courts and administrative offices to a minimum.

Review the report from WXYZ by clicking on the link below: https://www.wxyz.com/news/region/detroit/many-jails-still-do-not-do-any-testing-advocates-push-for-more-focus-on-michigan-jails-covid