K-12 Michigan schools are eligible for free air purifiers

Michigan schools are aiming to have clean air for all of their students. 

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, MDHHS, launched a program in 2022 to improve the overall air quality in schools. 

Since its inception, MDHHS has provided more than 42,600 air purifiers to 451 school districts across the state. 

This is in response to the Center for Disease Control's, CDC, guidelines, which were updated in May 2023, wanting five air changes per hour, which is the number of times the air in a room is replaced, in the building's air quality strategy. 

“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.

The air purifiers are provided by the CDC and the Prevention Epidemiology Laboratory Capacity Reopening Schools award. 

All private and public Michigan schools, including those who have already participated, can receive an air purifier to use in classrooms or other communal areas. 

“Parents will be able to breathe easier knowing that their children are learning in healthier environments," said State Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice.

For more information about getting an air purifier at your school, fill out this form here.