New Clean Air Centers in Flathead Will Host Open Houses

The blanket of wildfire smoke that settled into Flathead Valley this summer affects everyday life for residents, ranging from minor irritation to life-threatening impacts for people with chronic health problems. A series of pop-up events across the valley August 24-27 will highlight the establishment of community Clean Air Centers in Kalispell, Columbia Falls and Whitefish.

These three centers are public spaces where people can escape smoke and heat and learn how they can protect their families from poor air quality.

The three Flathead Clean Air Centers this summer upgraded their air filtration systems in partnership with Climate Smart Glacier and Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. These community facilities are generally open to the public and now serve as an information hub about indoor clean air.

The pop-up events will include refreshments, kid-friendly activities, and an opportunity to learn about home solutions to smokey air conditions.  Attendees may enter a drawing for a free household HEPA air filter.

• Monday, August 24, 2-6 p.m. Columbia Falls Community Center, 205 Nucleus Avenue.
• Tuesday, August 25, 2-6 p.m. Kalispell Gateway Community Center, 1203 Highway 2 West
• Thursday, August 27, 2-6 p.m. Whitefish Community Library, 9 Spokane Avenue

Indoor air quality conditions at these three community centers are monitored and updated in real time at https://map.purpleair.com, which also reports nearby outdoor air quality. For a direct link to air quality reports for the three Flathead Clean Air Centers, go to https://climatesmartglaciercountry.org/clean-air-centers/.

Since 2020 and in partnership with health care and social service partners, Climate Smart Glacier has provided more than 200 High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters to low-income households with health vulnerabilities. These donations are made possible by community donations.  HEPA filters are distributed to needy households in partnership with Logan Health and Community Action Partnership of Northwest Montana.

CSG also supports air quality assessments, monitoring and filtration upgrades to child care facilities, including Head Start, in partnership with the Early Childhood Coalition of Flathead Valley.

“Wildfire smoke can affect your health even when the fire is hundreds of miles away,” said Kate McMahon, a volunteer who coordinates CSG’s Wildfire and Health initiative. “Staying indoors doesn’t necessarily mean you’re breathing clean air. During periods of heavy smoke, indoor air can become nearly as polluted as outdoor air if your home or building does not have adequate filtration.”

CSG’s website (https://climatesmartglaciercountry.org/wildfire-smoke/) provides information about how to build your own air filtration system using a box fan, how to upgrade your existing HVAC system to filter out smoke particles, and what to look for if you’re purchasing a stand-alone HEPA air filter.

The mission of Climate Smart Glacier is to foster community resilience by addressing challenges from a changing climate. Challenges include hotter summers, increasing wildfire and flood risk, and more extreme weather. CSG builds partnerships and empowers citizens to develop local solutions.

“Climate Smart Glacier serves as a community catalyst to tackle emerging challenges that otherwise haven’t received much attention,” said Steve Thompson, CSG Chairman.  “As a volunteer-driven organization, we work with diverse community partners to make a difference.”

Community support for CSG’s Wildfire and Health program is provided by Whitefish Community Foundation, Nelson Ace Hardware, Glacier Bank, Whitefish Credit Union, Schellinger Construction, Target, and Don “K” Subaru.

Businesses and individuals interested in supporting at-risk households and CSG’s indoor clean air program can contact us at info@climatesmartglaciercountry.org or use the Donate button on the website.