Are you considering launching a program to provide HEPA Portable Air Cleaners to community members or groups for free, loan or reduced price? It's a fantastic idea to help those most vulnerable or in need, and there are many ways to go about this.
Beginning in 2017, Climate Smart Missoula initiated a program to provide HEPA PACs to those most in need in Missoula County. We raised funds and gave air purifiers away (for free) to at-risk, low-income, home-bound seniors; families and individuals in need; and public schools. In 2018, we worked with the Missoula Health Department to provide them to day-cares and preschools, and our work to distribute air filters has continued since then! Here are some considerations and recommendations based on our experiences:
Beginning in 2017, Climate Smart Missoula initiated a program to provide HEPA PACs to those most in need in Missoula County. We raised funds and gave air purifiers away (for free) to at-risk, low-income, home-bound seniors; families and individuals in need; and public schools. In 2018, we worked with the Missoula Health Department to provide them to day-cares and preschools, and our work to distribute air filters has continued since then! Here are some considerations and recommendations based on our experiences:
- Work with local social service agencies. You may need to help educate the agency re the health risks from wildfire smoke and who is most vulnerable.
- It also helps to partner with your local health department or health clinic(s) because these folks have community's trust.
- Seek funding from individuals, other non-profits, or local foundations and work with a non-profit who can accept donations (and provide a tax letter).
- You might consider ordering one brand and model to keep it simple (consider negotiating a reduce price for bulk orders.
- Another option that could work is a "pay-it-forward" model where a community member wishing to help chooses and purchases a filter on-line and has it delivered directly to the person in need.
- Consider - do you have the capacity to deliver or do recipients need to pick up from a convenient location? For some, having someone bring the PAC to their residence, set it up and show them how it works, can be extremely helpful.
- Are you going to give them to the recipient to keep? If so, will you do any follow-up to ensure they are working and potentially replace the HEPA filter? The PAC needs a new HEPA filter ~ every year (depending on how dirty the air is) and replacement filters cost ~$25-$50 or more per unit.
- Consider collecting names, phone numbers and emails for follow-up.
Sarah was in charge of Climate Smart's 2018 program to give filters to daycares, so multiple babies and kids at one location benefited.