Different Types of Masks and How to Care For Them
There are so many changes happening. We’re doing and learning new things everyday as we respond to COVID-19. Wearing masks is new for most of us! Knowing how to take care of our masks is also new, and there are different kinds of masks. Here are some useful things to know as we navigate this together.
Cloth Masks
The CDC recommends that members of the public use simple cloth face coverings when in a public setting to slow the spread of the virus, since this will help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others. These have been distributed widely to our team and our partners throughout the state. These are the kind the Department of Corrections so graciously produced for us (see more information about how this mask is made here). These are suitable for re-use, thought they should be cleaned routinely by putting them in the washing machine (do not put in the dryer).
Caring for cloth masks:
- Individuals should be careful not to touch their eyes, nose, and mouth when removing their face covering and wash hands immediately after removing.
- A washing machine should suffice in properly washing a cloth mask.
- These masks should not be put in the dryer.
 Procedural Masks
These protect those around you, and provide limited protection for yourself. Facemasks with elastic ear hooks are suitable for re-use. We procured these through vendor and distributed them to our team members and partners throughout the state.
Caring for procedural masks:
- When you need to remove your facemask, use the elastic bands.
- When you remove it, fold it so the insides touch, so as not to contaminate your mask, or other surfaces.
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The folded mask can be stored between uses in a clean sealable paper bag or breathable container.
N-95 Respirators
These critical supplies that must be reserved for health care workers and other medical first responders. Within DHS, we have started distributing our limited supply of these to our team members at facilities who serve our most medically fragile Iowans. We have been successful in locating what seems to be a very reliable supplier and anticipate being able to fully meet our needs.
Caring for N-95 respirators:
- According to the CDC, vaporous hydrogen peroxide, ultraviolet germicidal irradiation, and moist heat are the most promising decontamination methods.
- If N-95 mask decontamination is considered, these methods do not appear to break down filtration or compromise the mask; however, many of these methods can only be used for limited times.
Additional Guidance
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) have put out helpful guidance. Please refer to the following guidance for more details:
Please check the CDC and IDPH websites regularly as guidance is frequently updated.
 Tell Us Why You're Proud to Be a Part of #TeamDHS
The work we do is really important and deeply rewarding. As we recruit to build our team, we’ll be launching a social media campaign, #IAmDHS. This will highlight team members featuring quotes on why they find their work rewarding. If you would like to be featured, contact Heidi Roepke, Communications Specialist, at hroepke@dhs.state.ia.us.
 Thank You For Your Service:
5 years of service
Jade Williams, Woodward Resource Center
Leslie Jean Hibbert, Woodward Resource Center
Jane Slaybaugh, Woodward Resource Center
Sandra Evens, Independence MHI
John Brooks, Division of Information Technology
10 years of service
Shinobu Yoshizaki, Woodward Resource Center
Daniel Calderon, Woodward Resource Center
Oliva McDonald, Woodward Resource Center
Kelly Groves, Woodward Resource Center
Kristi Anderson, Woodward Resource Center
Brett McFarland, Woodward Resource Center
Andrew Jones, Woodward Resource Center
Jessica Robinson, Woodward Resource Center
Ainsley Brungardt, Western Iowa Service Area
15 years of service
Sarah Gardner-Phillips, CSRU-Central Region
Stacie Sanborn, Woodward Resource Center
Megan Mundy, Woodward Resource Center
Bradley German, Woodward Resource Center
Tina Skei, Woodward Resource Center
Diane Flora, Glenwood Resource Center
Marcus Witter, Glenwood Resource Center
Adrian Warnke, Western Iowa Service Area
Lori VandeWall, Division of Adult, Child & Family Services
Scott Wolfe, Division of Information Technology
Chinda Houangvan, Division of Iowa Medicaid Enterprise
Joanne Bush, Division of Iowa Medicaid Enterprise
Joy Harper, Eastern Iowa Service Area
Christine McNally-Woods, Northern Iowa Service Area
Anthony Orban, Western Iowa Service Area
20 years of service
Brian Walters, Independence MHI
Denise Wolf, Independence MHI
Michael Berends, Eldora State Training School
David Mull, Sr., Eldora State Training School
Mary Kaldenberg, Cedar Rapids Service Area
David Rippey, Cedar Rapids Service Area
Julie Stogdill, Cedar Rapids Service Area
Barbara Stegall, Glenwood Resource Center
Brenda Benson, Centralized Service Area
Amber Essary, Des Moines Service Area
25 years of service
Roxane Sisler, Eastern Iowa Service Area
Julie Lee, Western Iowa Service Area
Alaina Morgan, Western Iowa Service Area
Cheryl Ludeking, Northern Iowa Service Area
30 years of service
Ann Clary, Woodward Resource Center
Jennifer Buenger, Cherokee MHI
35 years of service
Laurie Gibson, Cedar Rapids Service Area
Annette Miller, Division of Iowa Medicaid Enterprise
David Wells, Targeted Case Management
Sharon Fitzgerald, Northern Iowa Service Area
40 years of service
Paul Wagaman, Glenwood Resource Center
M. Manning, Centralized Service Area
Craig Reynolds, Division of Fiscal Management
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