Students, faculty, and staff from MCOHS and the Division of Environmental Health Sciences at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health joined together for a very special “back to school” fall mixer in September.  The mixer was an opportunity for everyone within the division and MCOHS to kick off another academic year together, while also engaging in a meaningful community engagement and public health outreach activity.

Students, faculty, and staff divided into teams to work together to build Corsi-Rosenthal boxes – simple, effective, and inexpensive DIY air filters made out of furnace filters, box fans, and duct tape.  These boxes help reduce harmful particles in the air, lowering the risk of exposure to cold, flu and COVID-19 viruses, as well as other hazardous particles.

A vital aspect of the MCOHS outreach mission is addressing health equity – reaching underserved and underrepresented groups while meeting a regional or local need. 

The teams built seven air cleaners, which will be donated to the East Phillips Neighborhood Institute, who will distribute them to community residents.  This activity was an opportunity for MCOHS students and faculty to put their training and expertise to use, making an impact in our community, and promoting public health for all.

Plans to have a follow-up event in the spring to replace the used boxes with new ones are in early development.

THANK YOU to University of Minnesota School of Public Health (SPH) communications for photographing and highlighting our event!

View photos from the event on Flickr: