Today, Senator Luz Escamilla, Representative Angela Romero, Dr. Daniel Mendoza, and Dr. Shana Godfred-Cato are thrilled to announce the launch of the Furnace Filter Exchange Program. This program, generously funded by the Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit: Rocky Mountain Region, aims to substantially improve indoor air quality and enhance the health of Westside families with children affected by respiratory illnesses.
The initiative provides households with the opportunity to upgrade their furnace filters to high-efficiency ones, free of charge. The primary objective is to elevate air quality within homes, positively impacting the respiratory health and overall wellbeing of participating families. Initially, the program will cater to 100 families within our community, with plans to expand its reach in the near future, extending benefits to more households in need.
To be eligible for participation, households must have access to their home’s furnace and have children diagnosed or suspected of having respiratory diseases such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, among others.
The Furnace Filter Exchange Program incorporates an educational component to raise awareness about the impact of poor air quality in the Salt Lake Valley on our communities. The program involves placing an air quality sensor outside and inside the participating home to measure pollution before and after the new air filters are installed. Participating homes will receive additional furnace filters for the inversion season. Monthly filter changes will be analyzed by a laboratory to identify pollutants present in the home. The family will also be connected with a pediatric nurse or physician who will discuss the health concerns of poor air quality and how to address them. If the children have not had access to healthcare for their respiratory related symptoms, further resources will be provided.
Senator Luz Escamilla and Representative Angela Romero are dedicated to fostering healthier living environments and empowering families to safeguard their respiratory health through this innovative program. They encourage eligible households to take advantage of this opportunity and join together in creating a healthier, safer community for our children.
Senator Escamilla states, “This program aims to reach working families in our Westside communities who are just trying to survive. The healthcare component and educational aspect are important for our low-income families who may not have access to healthcare. Every part of the state should have good air quality regardless of location.”
Representative Angela Romero adds, “Often people only think about the air outside of their home, not inside. This program works to educate families about how indoor air quality can have an impact on health. One of the top priorities of this legislative session for the Democratic Caucuses is air quality. We call on our legislative colleagues to join us in providing funding to address our quality across the state.”
For further information or to apply for participation in the Furnace Filter Exchange Program, please visit here.
