On May 20, the Chamber and our association health plan, Business Health Trust (BHT), in close partnership with Premera Blue Cross, launched a new option for small employers in our state to get free face coverings and low-cost KN95 and AspenAir masks for their employees and customers.
In just two days, we provided a total of 40,000 masks and face coverings to businesses. We initially procured 20,000 face coverings and masks, and Amazon also donated an additional 20,000 masks as the project launched.
Due to this strong response and the ongoing need that employers have for personal protective gear and equipment, starting at 8:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 26, we will offer at-cost options, less than $3 per face covering or mask, through this same channel. We’ve set up an easy online ordering system where small businesses can place an order, which includes a flat shipping fee of $12.
The Chamber and BHT developed this option based on employer feedback that having enough protective gear and PPE to keep employees and customers safe is one of their top concerns as they prepare for reopening. Through conversations with business owners and operators, we also know that there is a broad range of needs. As we set up this program, we worked to provide several options so that employers can make the decision that is best for their workforce.
Thank you to our partner, Chamber member GOUSA, for working with us to distribute affordable personal protective supplies. This program was also made possible through the generous support of Amazon, Kaiser Permanente, Premera Blue Cross, Bank of America, BNSF Railway, Clean Shop Supply, Davis Wright Tremaine, KeyBank, Magnolia Ace Hardware, Systems Consulting, and W2A.