How did we do it?

The people at the highest risk of being impacted by COVID-19 are also the least able to afford quality high-filtration masks for themselves and their families. That's why Project N95 focused on distributing masks for free to communities in need.

Why high-filtration masks?

Now that the vast majority of Americans have stopped wearing masks, public spaces are less protected against COVID and other respiratory illnesses, so vulnerable people and others need a way to keep themselves safe. In addition to vaccines, high-quality respiratory protection helps reduce the chances of serious illness.

This is especially critical for those at high risk of complications, such as the immunocompromised or people who aren't eligible for vaccinations. Thanks you—our loyal customers and generous donors—and our many other partners, we were able to bring that protection to the general public in the form of NIOSH-approved N95 respirators and other high-quality filtering face masks, such as KF94 and KN95 masks.

Why free masks?

Social epidemiologists have long known that disease distribution is patterned by disadvantage, and COVID data have documented that the poorest Americans are more likely to become ill and die if they are infected. The poorest Americans are most likely to be working in person and in crowded conditions or living in multigenerational households, which puts them at a higher risk of exposure. Furthermore, they are more likely to have multiple comorbidities due to structural factors in access to healthcare, leading to worse outcomes.

Providing free masks—a valuable component in the fight against COVID—helps protect the most vulnerable people. Project N95 was dedicated to helping those in need get the protection they deserve.

Why is this important?

Free, easily accessible high-filtration masks are critical to ensuring that COVID-related health inequities do not widen.

A study from NYC Health showed that racial inequities in COVID infections increased during the Omicron surge. The people at the greatest risk are also the people most in need of help. This is why Project N95 worked so hard to get free masks to people in need.

How did we identify communities?

Project N95 built strong partnerships with community organizations, mask blocs, schools, health clinics, and others who work directly with people and families receiving our donated masks to ensure the greatest impact for those most in need. We also built an extensive donation program for individuals who wanted high-filtration masks but were unable to afford them—more than 6,800 recipients accepted over 45,000 masks through this initiative alone.

We didn't work alone. Thank you to our community, manufacturing, association, and technology partners for helping to make this happen—you saved lives!