Though thousands of inmates across America are being granted early releases in wake of the coronavirus pandemic, there are many more stuck behind bars in fear of contracting the virus. REFORM Alliance, which counts Meek Mill and Jay-Z as partners, have announced their latest donation to prisons in the United States to keep both inmates and correctional officers safe. REFORM Alliance will be sending 10M surgical masks and more protective equipment to prisons and jails across the U.S.
"This is 2.3 million Americans that don't usually have the loudest voice," Bob Pilon, president of the REFORM Alliance, told CBS News. "That's why we're doing this, to give that population a voice and answer their call to be treated like humans."
The announcement of the donation arrives hours after it was confirmed Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey donated $10M to REFORM. Meek made the announcement on Twitter earlier today. Dorsey's already pledged $1B with his $10M donation being released through his Smart Small relief fund.
"I'm grateful REFORM exists. The criminal justice system needs to change. COVID-19 adds to the injustices, and REFORM is best suited to help," Dorsey said in a statement.
REFORM Alliance has placed much of their recent efforts towards protecting the inmates inside of prison. The organization has already sent 100K facemasks to several correctional facilities in the United States.
