The State of Minnesota has partnered with numerous organizations across the state, including native community organizations, to make it easier for people to find affordable face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Minnesota’s health department, there are more than 300,000 cloth masks available for underserved and at-risk communities right now. The cloth masks were distributed to community organizations, food banks, area agencies on aging and affordable housing providers.
Some native organizations include: Northwest Indian Community Development Center in Bemidji, Dream of Wild Health in Bloomington, the Minneapolis American Indian Center and Native American Community Development Institute in Minneapolis and Ain Dah Young in St. Paul and others.
The one-time allotment of masks is part of the Gov. Tim Walz’s recent announcement that 4 million free masks are going to businesses and communities across the state.
Walz says he hopes the move will lead to more mask compliance and, in turn, less COVID-19 spread.
Each organization will decide on how to distribute their masks.
For a list of organizations with masks, visit the Minnesota Department of Health’s website. Or search for Minnesota health mask locations on any search engine.
On July 25, Gov. Walz implemented a statewide mask mandate requiring the wearing of masks in all indoor business and public indoor spaces, unless they are alone. The masks must cover your nose and mouth. Days later, Wisconsin’s governor issued a similar mask mandate.
Safe Learning Plan Provides Detailed Guidance for Schools and Parents