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MDHHS extends MI Safe School Indoor Air Ventilation program with free air purifiers for K-12 schools

Over 42,600 purifiers provided to schools to date

By The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services

Lansing, Mich. – Michigan K-12 schools are encouraged to obtain free air purifiers through the MI Safe School Indoor Air Ventilation program. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) launched the program last year to help support the improvement of indoor air quality in schools. The program works with partners to provide air purifiers at no cost to Michigan schools. Since the launch of the program in December 2022, MDHHS has provided more than 42,600 air purification machines to 451 school districts across the state. In May 2023, CDC updated their guidelines for air exchanges in schools, with the goal of reaching a total of five air changes per hour in their building’s air quality strategy. MDHHS is extending this program so that schools who have participated can order more machines if needed under the new guidance and to provide schools that have not participated with an opportunity to add these machines to their strategy. Schools are able to order as many machines as needed based upon their building’s needs.  

“Air purifiers are another tool in our toolbox to improve air quality and help prevent the spread of illness while at school, as well as provide additional protection from allergens and wildfire smoke,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS chief medical executive. “MDHHS is excited to offer the air ventilation and purification program to our schools. Staying healthy leads to better academic outcomes as well as social and emotional well-being.”

Air purifiers are provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Epidemiology Laboratory Capacity Reopening Schools award. Schools, including those who have participated in the program previously, will have the opportunity to receive air purifiers. The portable air purifiers may be used in classrooms and other communal areas to reduce the number of harmful microbes and allergens in the atmosphere. This extension is to provide all public and private K-12 schools with another opportunity to obtain portable air purifiers while supplies last.

“We encourage more schools to keep their facilities’ air healthy and clean by taking advantage of this opportunity for free air purifiers,” said State Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice. “Parents will be able to breathe easier knowing that their children are learning in healthier environments.”

All K-12 schools are eligible to use resources offered by MDHHS programs.

For more information submit your K-12 school information to the MI Safe Schools Indoor Air Ventilation Program Request Form.

For more information on MI Safe School programs email MDHHS-COVIDTestingSupport@michigan.gov.

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