The Broome County Health Department (BCHD) purchased and delivered more 1,300 stand-alone air filters in classrooms for Broome County Schools and licensed daycares, including the Maine-Endwell Central School District. These air filters were purchased with New York State Department of Health - Health Research Inc. grant funds provided during the COVID response to help reduce exposure to the airborne viruses.
"The best place for our kids to learn is right in the classroom," said Broome County Executive, Jason Garnar.
"These air filters will help limit exposure to viruses that tend to spread in schools during cold-weather months, keeping students healthier. Thank you to the Broome County Health Department and our local schools for partnering on this effort."
These medical grade HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) air filters are stand-alone units which can be placed in the classrooms with the students and staff to help remove airborne contaminants including viruses. During the Fall and Winter seasons COVID-19, RSV, flu, and the common cold can circulate all at once. Having the HEPA filters can reduce exposure to all these airborne respiratory viruses.
"The use of these air filters is part of the framework that helps keep students safe" said Public Health Director, Mary McFadden. "In addition to ensuring cleaner air, other ways to keep kids healthy in school include frequent hand washing, vaccinations, and staying home when you feel sick," added McFadden
Using the HEPA filters are also helpful during other air quality events, such as smoke from the Canadian Wildfires. The filters can decrease the particles from the infiltrating smoke.
The Broome County Health Department's Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, Michael Bender coordinated this entire effort with the schools and daycares. "This exercise provided another opportunity to anticipate and respond to the community's health needs. We know that preventing illness is much better than responding to an illness,' said Bender.
It is important we continue to learn about and use technologies like HEPA air filters that will help with reducing school absenteeism for staff and students.
"If we have learned anything from the COVID pandemic, indoor air quality plays a critical role in keeping students and staff, healthy, safe, and in school. said Jason VanFossen, Superintendent for Maine Endwell School District. "Thank you, Broome County, for supporting and investing in the health and safety of our school community."
For more information on ways to prevent respiratory viruses click here:
https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/index.html
