The New Jersey Department of Health in conjunction with New Jersey Department of Education and the New Jersey Schools Development Authority announced the introduction of the School HEPA Distribution Program in an advisory.
The goal of the program is to provide layered protection from respiratory illnesses and address other airborne irritants such as dust, mold, pollen, etc.
All New Jersey schools are eligible to receive portable high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration purifiers and up to three corresponding replacement HEPA filters per unit at no-cost from a state-sponsored vendor. Each purifier/three filter set is designed to last for two full school years.
NJDOH will review all requests for HEPA purifiers, and their placement should be prioritized in spaces where students frequent, especially those who may be medically fragile (e.g., classrooms and nurses’ offices). Schools should request the number of HEPA purifiers and corresponding filters they desire and can manage.
To express interest, please complete the this school-level survey by April 12, 2023.
This opportunity will assist schools in continuing to provide a safe, clean air environment for in-person instruction. The program is voluntary for local educational agencies and nonpublic schools.
A flyer summarizing the State School HEPA Distribution Program and other resources can be found on the NJDOH Information for Schools webpage.
Contact COVID.SchoolTesting@doh.nj.gov with any questions about the program or survey.