October 16, 2020 – LITTLETON, NH. There was a chill in the air and a steady beeping coming from the parking lot of Ammonoosuc Community Health Services’ (ACHS) site last Thursday as an oversized delivery truck from Henry Schein Dental and Medical Supply backed in an unloaded its much-anticipated cargo. Inside were eighty-eight surgical quality air purification systems – one for every clinical exam and behavioral health counseling room at ACHS’ five primary care sites.

Powerful HEPA-RX filters destroy germs & viruses

The state-of-the-art Jade Surgically Clean Air Systems use HEPA-RX activated carbon to filter out 99.998% of harmful particles such as chemicals, bacteria, and viruses. The remaining particles are destroyed by ultraviolet and titanium dioxide. The high-tech units are hands-free and quiet enabling medical providers to conduct their health care services with patients unencumbered.

“We did a tremendous amount of research on these systems”, said ACHS’ CEO, Edward Shanshala. Shanshala who holds Bachelors’s degrees in Chemistry and Biotechnology as well as a Master’s in Science from Rochester Institute of Technology wanted to be sure the systems at ACHS utilized the latest technology. “The JADE systems clean an average exam room every 20 minutes to help reduce the risk of spread for airborne illnesses such as flu, strep, and SARS-COV (COVID19). Each unit not only filters the air but charges it with negative ions to help combat fatigue, too. This will enable us to maintain better air quality for patients and staff – especially important as we head into the winter months.”, added Shanshala.

Funding from Direct Relied & HRSA made the systems possible

In June, ACHS received $17,500 from medical aid organization Direct Relief, in partnership with the National Association of Community Health Centers. ACHS was one of 518 federally qualified health centers that received funding through Direct Relief’s $25 million COVID-19 Fund for Community Health. With these funds, ACHS purchased and tested twelve of the JADE units for the ACHS Dental Center. “We were very pleased with the results.”, said Katie Latulip. ACHS’  Registered Dental Hygienist and Dental Clinical Manager. “So, I recommended to Ed that we roll them out to all our primary care sites.” Funding for the latest shipment of 88 systems came from a Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) grant

“Keeping our patients and our team healthy is our number one priority.”, said Shanshala. These JADE air purification systems, are a tangible sign that the air is being cleaned. We are so thankful for the funding and support from our champions to enable us to improve our care during the pandemic and beyond.”