Pittsburgh group provides cleaning equipment for coronavirus protection

With the anticipated arrival of the coronavirus in Western Pennsylvania, businesses and families are looking for ways to keep employees and loved ones safe.

A group called Women for a Healthy Environment wants to help. The group, based in Pittsburgh, addresses environmental concerns that impact public health. It has developed what it calls a “Flu Fighter” program. Initially designed to reduce flu illnesses, the program offers free cleaning equipment and training to early learning centers in Allegheny County that can also work against the coronavirus.

“Proactive and preventive measures like adopting thorough cleaning practices can help protect the health of students and staff at early learning centers year-round,” said Michelle Naccarati-Chapkis, executive director of Women for a Healthy Environment.

“Our goal is to support early learning providers and give them solutions to address environmental hazards in a safe, effective and responsible manner.”

The Flu Fighter program loans equipment including a cordless electrostatic sprayer free of charge to early learning centers where staff members are trained on how to use it to safely disinfect surfaces.

“We were fortunate to be loaned equipment from WHE to help us safely reduce germs in our facility,” said Tracy O’Connell, childcare director for the Catholic Youth Association. “Our first priority is the well-being of our children. This program helps us maintain a clean, safe learning environment while giving students and their families greater peace of mind.”

WHE will loan 40 sprayers, which can be borrowed for up to six months.

Learning centers that are interested in the program can contact WHE at 412-404-2872 or email info@WomenFor AHealthyEnvironment.org.