COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency has announced a free mask distribution initiative following a Statewide Air Quality Alert issued by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.
The alert stems from elevated levels of fine particulate matter caused by incoming wildfire smoke.
To safeguard the public, the local health department is giving away high-quality EN149 protective masks, which serve as the European equivalent to an N-95 respirator.
The distribution primarily targets individuals who lack access to air conditioning or those whose circumstances require them to remain outdoors during this period of poor air quality.
The mask distribution officially begins today at noon, with subsequent pickup available during standard office hours from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at several regional health department locations.
Residents can collect their masks at the Branch County office in Coldwater, the Hillsdale County office in Hillsdale, or either of the St. Joseph County locations in Three Rivers and Sturgis.
Health officials say that while these single-use masks have technically passed their official shelf-life expiration date, they remain highly effective for immediate, temporary protection against smoke particles.
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