Free air purifiers for Utah schools and state-licensed early care and education centers

Program ends soon

Salt Lake City—Using money from a one-time federal grant, Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment (UPHE) have collaborated on a historic and far-reaching clean air initiative to place air purifiers in every K through 12 school classroom, licensed pre-K child care centers, and early childhood education (ECE) centers in Utah. More than 60% of Utah schools and child care centers have taken advantage of the program, but funding ends in July 2023. The funding comes from the federal Epidemiology Laboratory Capacity (ELC) Reopening Schools Grant and can be used for items that will allow for improved air circulation.

Indoor air pollution can increase the severity and transmissibility of infectious diseases such as COVID-19. Putting air purifiers in schools improves air filtration which affects student performance, makes classrooms safer, reduces absenteeism, and improves the overall health of children, students, and teachers.

The health and comfort of students and teachers contribute to learning and productivity in the classroom, which in turn affects performance and achievement. DHHS and UPHE  encourage facilities that have not yet taken advantage of this offer to participate in the program before the funding ends July 31, 2023.

School districts and individual schools don’t have to do anything other than sign up for the program, UPHE and DHHS take care of the rest. Estimates indicate if the air purifier is run only during the class day, it will only require a filter replacement about once a year. That cost varies depending on the unit purchased, but ranges anywhere from $60 to $400. Schools can receive as many as 6 free replacement filters with their order. To make sure your school doesn’t miss out, visit: https://www.uphe.org/free-air-purifiers-for-utah-schools/ or email brandi@uphe.org