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Idaho inmates bring comfort to others

by Judd Wilson Staff Writer
| December 26, 2018 12:00 AM

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Studies show that weighted blankets yield calming effects to those who use them. (Courtesy Idaho Department of Correction)

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Inmates have produced 62 weighted blankets for use by vulnerable populations across the state. (Courtesy Idaho Department of Correction)

COEUR d’ALENE — As more Americans turn to weighted blankets for their calming, soothing effects, inmates with the Idaho Department of Correction are making life a little better for people around the state.

Inmates at the North Idaho Correctional Institution, South Idaho Correctional Institution, and Pocatello Women’s Correctional Center have been producing weighted blankets for use by vulnerable populations across the state. IDOC and the Idaho Association of Counties partnered in the initiative, which began in late 2017.

“This project gives inmates an opportunity to do something meaningful with their time while incarcerated and give back to society,” IDOC spokesman Jeffrey Ray said.

Kelli Brassfield with the Idaho Association of Counties explained that the blankets’ weight “causes the body to produce serotonin and endorphins, which are the chemicals our bodies naturally use to feel relaxed or calm. In combination with the darkness that occurs during the nighttime hours, the pineal gland converts serotonin to melatonin, our natural sleep-inducing hormone.”

Coeur d’Alene School District spokesman Scott Maben said the blankets in use at schools here did not come from IDOC. However, director of special education Frank Maier said district occupational therapists have used weighted blankets for their calming effects for years now.

“The weight is intended to provide proprioceptive input to the brain, which has a calming and organizing effect on the central nervous system.”

Maier referred to studies that linked deep touch pressure with improved focus on fine motor skills such as writing. Children with autism have performed better in seats with weighted blankets over their legs, he said. Weighted blankets and vests also cut down on fidgeting.

“With less self-stimulatory behavior distracting the child, they are better able to focus on what they are learning,” he said.

Brassfield said 62 blankets made at SICI have been distributed statewide. The IDHW Foster Care program has received 24 blankets. Five blankets recently were given to the Childen with Disabilties program, said Brassfield. Idaho State Hospital South has received seven, and North Idaho Correctional Institution inmates have also made blankets for use at the Idaho State Hospital North in Orofino, she said.

The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office is the only agency here to have received one thus far, she said. Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Det. Dennis Stinebaugh said the weighted blanket is kept in the medical ward. Though not used often, it is available to inmates here, he said. Brassfield said after each of Idaho’s 44 county sheriffs receives one of the blankets, more will be available to them. So far 26 counties in Idaho have received them, she said.

The weighted blanket program is privately funded and Brassfield said more donations are needed. Thus far private individuals have contributed more than $1,000 in cash or materials for the blankets. Donations of poly pellets, fabric that is not stretchy, batting, and industrial polyester thread are welcome. Brassfield also said an Idaho company, High Country Plastics of Caldwell, has supplied poly pellets at one-third the cost of other suppliers, and with no shipping delays.

Cash donations may be sent to Idaho Association of Counties at 3100 S. Vista Ave., Suite 200, Boise, ID 83705.

To learn more, go to http://idcounties.org/weighted-blankets.