Improving Indoor Air Quality Webinar and CMP Funding for Achieving It

Posted on December 15, 2022 by Mark Schulz

The Harvard Healthy Building Program and the Lancet COVID-19 Commission Task Force on Safe Work, Safe School, and Safe Travel are hosting a free webinar tomorrow, Friday, Dec. 16, at 10 a.m. titled "Improving Indoor Air Quality in Long Term Care Facilities: Practical Guidance."

The COVID-19 pandemic has elevated the relevance of indoor air quality (IAQ) and proved that buildings should be the first line of defense to reduce the spread of respiratory pathogens like SARS-Cov-2, influenza, and RSV. Improving ventilation and filtration in long-term care facilities can help mitigate the spread.

In this webinar, Dr. Joseph Allen and Dr. Shelly L. Miller, two scientific members of this Lancet Task Force with experience in implementing building-level controls, will:

• Provide first-hand insights into the Task Force's work.
• Discuss practical guidance on how facilities can improve occupant and staff health and safety.

Register for the free webinar.

Reminder: MN CMP funds still available

Medicaid-certified nursing facilities that have not already done so can still apply to the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) for up to $3,000 in Civil Money Penalty (CMP) funds to purchase portable fans and portable room air cleaners (with high-efficiency particulate air filters, at least a HEPA H13, H14 or higher rated filters). 

This CMS Visitation Frequently-Asked-Questions document includes considerations for improving air quality, and these grants are designed to provide some funding to support those ideas.

For more information on this opportunity, including an application form and accompanying instructions, visit the MN CMP Initiative website and scroll to COVID-19 In-Person Visitation Aid Grants.

For technical assistance with your application or questions regarding this funding opportunity or the Minnesota CMP Program, please contact Munna Yasiri at DHS.