Air Purifiers in Schools Program
DPHHS is partnering with Medify Air and Grainger Inc. to offer free HEPA air purifiers to Montana K-12 schools through June 2023. Medify Air is a top-rated air purifier manufacturer that provides high quality HEPA air purifier systems and replacement filters. Grainger is a government contractor that has an established partnership with DPHHS to offer a variety of services. DPHHS is utilizing ARPA ELC School Reopening federal funds to support this partnership with the focus of improving indoor air quality in schools. In addition to reducing the transmission risk of COVID-19 and other communicable diseases, these HEPA air purifier systems will provide an added benefit of helping schools maintain clean air during wildfire smoke events.
View a map of participating schools 
How it Works
As of September 30, 2023, the opportunity is closed for school requests. Please review the "Contact Information" tab for any questions or inquiries.
To place an order, a school or school district administrator must complete an order form and submit it to Grainger Inc. via the email address provided on the order form. School administrators in schools that have not submitted an order form will be contacted by a Medify Air/Grainger representative to discuss the program. We ask that school and district level leaders work together to reduce duplication of efforts and ensure accurate requests.
School/school districts do not need to apply for any other ARPA ELC funding to obtain HEPA air purifiers through this program. There are no reporting requirements attached to this opportunity, though DPHHS may work with Grainger and Medify Air to conduct a follow-up assessment regarding the use of the HEPA systems in schools.
Please send questions regarding this opportunity to schoolhealth@mt.gov.
- The school or school district representative will need to fill out an order form indicating the desired number of HEPA air purifiers needed. The form will be submitted directly to Grainger and Medify by email. Please use the email address listed on the order form.
- The Grainger representative can help administrators determine the number and size of HEPA air purifiers needed in each school. There are a variety of air purifiers for different size rooms ranging from 165 square feet to 1,875 square feet.
- Three years’ worth of replacement HEPA filters for each air purifier will be included with the initial order.
- Grainger will send an email informing the school representative that their order has been received. If there are any questions regarding the order, the school representative will be asked to provide clarification.
- Medify Air will ship the requested HEPA air purifiers to the school address provided on the order form and directly bill DPHHS.
- Prior to shipment, DPHHS will work with Grainger and Medify to review and approve orders. If DPHHS has any questions or concerns regarding order details, they may also contact the school or district administrator. This process may take up to 10 business days.
- Educational material and set-up services will be provided by Medify Air and/or Grainger upon request. For this additional support, you will simply contact the Grainger representative who processed your order.
- HEPA air purifiers will be available on a first come first serve basis, as funding permits.
Important Forms
Is there a limit to the number of air purifiers my school can order?
There is no limit to the number of air purifiers a school may order, though the number and type of air purifiers requested should match the number and size of the classrooms and common areas in the school building. If you believe that more than one air purifier may be needed in certain space, please explain your reasoning in your email to Grainger with your order form.
How much funding is available to support the Air Purifiers in Schools Program?
DPHHS has allocated $10 million of the remaining federal ARPA ELC Covid-19 relief funding to this program. Air purifiers are available on a first come, first serve basis until funding is no longer available.
What areas are covered under the Air Purifiers in Schools Program?
Schools can order air purifiers for any classroom or common area on the school campus that is used by students and/or staff. This includes, but is not limited to classrooms, teacher lounges, nurse offices/health services areas, cafeterias, locker rooms, gymnasium/fitness centers, industrial arts classrooms/labs, and restrooms.
Can my school or school district purchase additional HEPA air purifiers or filters with ELC School Reopening funding?
Schools and districts may still use ELC School Reopening grant funding to purchase portable air cleaners and additional filters that may be beyond the scope of the DPHHS Air Purifiers in Schools Program. ELC School Reopening funds must be spent by June 30, 2023. DPHHS strongly encourages schools to take advantage of this opportunity to get free HEPA air purifiers while funding is still available.
Are Pre-K and other childcare organizations eligible to participate in this program?
At this time, only public and private K-12 schools are eligible to participate in the program. DPHHS will be closely monitoring participation and funding levels over the first few months of the program. Pending available funding, the program may be opened to Pre-K and childcare entities at a later date.
My school purchased air purifiers with ELC School Reopening funding. Can we be reimbursed for these purchases?
Schools will not be reimbursed for previously purchased portable HEPA air purifiers. The Air Purifiers in Schools Program is intended to support the purchase of this one brand of HEPA air purifiers due to contracts that have been established with Medify Air and Grainger Inc.
This is an ongoing list of FAQs and will be updated regularly throughout the lifespan of the program. Please contact schoolhealth@mt.gov with additional questions.
Medify Air
Jack Austin
Vice President of Sales & US Expansion
Email: jack@medifyair.com
Phone: (802 324-3141
medifyair.com
Grainger Inc.
Aaron Boock | Government Sales Manager
Email: aaron.boock@grainger.com
Phone: (253) 358-5527
www.grainger.com
Sara Howser-Burke, RN | State School Nurse Consultant
MT Department of Public Health and Human Services
Email: schoolhealth@mt.gov