Wearing a mask to protect against coronavirus has become part of daily life for Americans. COVID-19 spreads mainly from person to person through respiratory droplets that travel into the air when you cough, sneeze, talk, and breathe. These droplets can then land on others’ faces or may be inhaled by people in the area. Masks are a simple barrier to help prevent these respiratory droplets from reaching others by reducing the spray of droplets when worn over the nose and mouth.
Everyone over the age of two years old should wear a mask, even if you do not feel sick. People who contract COVID-19 who never develop symptoms (asymptomatic) and those who are not yet showing symptoms (pre-symptomatic) can still spread the virus to other people.
The main function of wearing a mask is to protect those around you, in case you are infected and shedding the SARS-CoV-2 virus but not showing symptoms. A cloth mask does offer some protection to the wearer, how much depending on the fabrics used and how your mask is made (the type of fabric, the number of layers, how well the mask fits, etc). Medical masks and N-95 respirators should generally not be used and should be conserved for healthcare professionals and other essential workers.
Recognizing the importance of mask-wearing in preventing the spread of COVID-19 infections, NeedyMeds has initiated the “Masks Make the Difference” campaign. We are offering a 3-layer, premium quality 100% cotton fabric masks — to help keep you, your loved ones, and neighbors safe during this ongoing pandemic. The masks are long-lasting, washable, and reusable, with antimicrobial treatment. The NeedyMeds logo and “Masks Make the Difference” slogan on the mask front show that you support NeedyMeds and that you believe in the protection of masks. We ask for a $25 donation per mask, but if a donation is a hardship we will send you a mask at no cost to demonstrate how strongly we feel about the effectiveness of masks.
Visit www.masksmakethedifference.org for program details and a donation page. Along with their mask, people will receive a NeedyMeds Drug Discount Card accepted at over 65,000 pharmacies and saving patients up to 80% off the cash price of prescription medicines.
This is a pilot program and supplies are limited. For more information, go to www.masksmakethedifference.org or visit our website at www.needymeds.org.
