Local organization I Hagan Famalåo’an Guåhan Inc. was awarded a grant to distribute more than 2,500 face masks, 150 home-garden kits and 150 åmot CHamoru kits used to treat COVID-19 symptoms, according to a news release.
The organization received the grant from Pawanka Fund to assist the community during the pandemic in the following ways:
* Distribute 1,600 purchased face masks and at least 1,000 homemade face masks (sewn by I Hagan Famalåo’an Guåhan members using donated fabric) to CHamoru women and families, especially those who are houseless or are recently experiencing job loss.
* Provide at least 150 home-garden kits to CHamoru women and their families to develop backyard and container gardens in their homes and living spaces to help feed their families throughout this quarantine period. Start-up kits will include buckets, soil, seeds, fertilizer and more.
* I Hagan Famalåo’an Guåhan members who are practitioners of traditional medicine and certified as herbal practitioners will provide traditional CHamoru amot for families to help treat the symptoms of COVID-19 and aid in strengthening the immune system.
“We realize the importance of food sovereignty now more than ever. For generations we have thrived because we share what we have. With some of the funds we have received, we are excited to share care packages of seeds and potting soil to empower (or provide resources to) families to grow some of their food and medicine at home,” organization president Jessica Nanguata said.
The masks and kits are earmarked to be available June 15.
The distribution plan of items will be announced that week.
After considerable institutional hemming and hawing, the CDC now recommends people wear face masks in public. A mask should be worn whenever you cannot be more than six feet apart from people. Dr. Tania Elliot National spokesperson, American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology According to Business Insider, it’s important to keep cloth masks clean through careful cleaning. Cloth masks may be machine washed. Use hot water and a heavy-duty laundry detergent, such as Persil or Tide. If a household member is sick or has a compromised immune system, consider adding a disinfectant to the wash cycle. Dry on the highest heat cycle in an automatic dryer, or on a drying rack in direct sunlight. Store in a covered container until you need one.
Source: Pacific Daily News
