News

Health Department gives Covid tests, N95 masks to schools and nonprofits

By Lightning Reports, Published: January 27, 2022

Thousands of free N95 masks 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,” Public 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)