Thousands of N95 respirators, COVID-19 tests given to community agencies

HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. (January 27, 2022) – Thousands of free N95 respirators and COVID-19 tests have been given to community agencies to target populations with a high need for protection. 
The Henderson County Department of Public Health, Department of Social Services and Emergency Management recently received 22,000 N95 respirators from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services. The county agencies were tasked with creating a plan to distribute the N95s that included detention facilities and agencies serving individuals experiencing homelessness. 
A plan was created to target agencies serving populations with the highest needs. The county reached out to community organizations to gauge interest on which agencies would be interested in receiving an allocation of respirators. Organizations were asked how they plan to distribute the N95s to the populations they serve. 
All N95s have now been assigned to agencies and more than half the been distributed, which also included information on their proper use. In addition, the county received 4,400 at-home tests from NCDHHS to distribute. A similar needs assessment was completed, and all kits were assigned. 
“We believe this plan targeted some of the highest needs in the jurisdiction for protection and we will continue to explore additional resources,” Health Director Steve Smith said.
Below is the list of agencies who received respirators and/or tests: 

• Blue Ridge Community College 
• Calvary Food Pantry
• Children & Family Resource Center
• Council on Aging
• Crossnore Communities for Children 
• FernLeaf Community Charter School
• Henderson County Department of Social Services
• Henderson County Detention Center 
• Henderson County Public Schools 
• Hendersonville Rescue Mission 
• Hickory Nut Gorge Outreach 
• Hope Coalition 
• Interfaith Assistance Ministry
• Institute for Preventative Healthcare and Advocacy 
• Only Hope WNC 
• Pan de Vida Food Pantry 
• Safelight
• Smart Start Partnership for Children 
• The Housing Assistance Corporation 
• The Mountain Community School 
• The Salvation Army
• Thrive
• True Ridge
• UNETE Inc. 
• WNC Source (Formerly WCCA)

Public Health recommends all individuals older than 2 wear the most protective mask they can when in indoor public spaces. A surgical mask or KN95 respirator offers a higher level of protection from the Omicron variant than a cloth mask. N95 respirators offer the highest level of protection but must be properly fitted. More information can be found in the CDC’s guidance for masks and respirators.