Hempstead, New York (November 17, 2020)—The Town of Hempstead has launched a new initiative with United Way of Long Island in an effort to further protect senior citizens from COVID-19. The $354,492 grant approved by Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin and the Hempstead Town Board will fund the installation of 560 portable medical-grade HEPA air filtration units in at-risk seniors’ homes as well as some doctor offices. The installation of air filters is intended to improve the air quality of enclosed spaces, particularly for seniors who are at higher risk when exposed to the coronavirus.
“I’d like to once again thank Senator Schumer for his part in securing this funding that continues to support and protect hundreds of thousands of residents of the Town of Hempstead,” stated Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin. “Our senior population is the most vulnerable to this virus, which is why it is imperative that we do what we can to shield them to the greatest extent possible from the risk of infection.”
The grant announcement was made by Supervisor Clavin and his Town Board colleagues – Senior Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby, Councilman Bruce Blakeman, Councilman Anthony D’Esposito, Councilman Dennis Dunne, Sr., Councilman Tom Muscarella, Councilman Chris Carini, Town Clerk Kate Murray and Receiver Jeanine Driscoll.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 80 percent of Hempstead’s COVID-19 deaths have been from people 62 years or older. The activities funded by the grant to United Way will assist seniors with chronic health risks like Asthma or COPD. By keeping the air as pure as possible, these residents will have a much lower risk of contracting the airborne coronavirus. Additionally, the funding will also go to help support staff distribute and install these units as well as provide seniors with PPE supplies such as masks, sanitizers, digital thermometers.
“This is a challenging time and United Way is extremely pleased to have the opportunity to help keep seniors safe at home through our partnership with the Town of Hempstead and we believe this program offers great hope in providing needed resources to help seniors live a healthy and full life,” said Theresa Regnante, President and CEO of United Way of Long Island. “The installation of these portable medical grade HEPA air filtration systems are going to make a dramatic difference, especially for those with chronic health conditions who are at home and sheltering-in-place due to the COVID-19 public health emergency.”
United Way of Long Island has already assisted more than 9,000 Long Islanders during the pandemic and securing these grant funds will ensure they continue their helping mission. The funding received by United Way was made possible by a $133 million grant the Town of Hempstead received as part of the federal CARES Act, which the Town is using to provide economic relief grants for local businesses to cover COVID-related expenses.
For more information about the Town of Hempstead and its efforts to improve the quality of life for residents and businesses throughout the region, visit https://hempsteadny.gov/.
To learn more about United Way's Safe at Home initiative visit: www.unitedwayli.org/safeathome