A program initiated by the City of Bristol, Tennessee to provide free air purifiers to eligible City households impacted by odors and emissions from the Bristol, Va. landfill has distributed more than 200 units since Thanksgiving, and applications are still being accepted.
Launched last fall in an attempt to provide some relief to low-and-moderate income residents following numerous odor and air quality concerns, the program was initially funded through a $30,000 allocation approved by the Bristol Tennessee City Council to the United Way of Bristol TN/VA. The Sullivan County Commission later allocated an additional $20,000 toward the program.
Since then, United Way officials have received in excess of 920 applications resulting in more than 220 air purifiers being distributed or approved for pickup by those who met eligibility guidelines. This program is only open to residents of Bristol, Tennessee and Sullivan County.
“We’re grateful to the United Way for their hard work in recent months to administer this program and ensure those most in need receive some relief from the ongoing issues that face our community,” said Bristol Tennessee Mayor Mahlon Luttrell. “As they continue to screen applications, the City will continue to monitor the landfill’s impact on our community, share information, and seek ways to assist those who have been impacted.”
According to manufacturer specifications, the air purifiers being distributed can cover about 1,000 square feet and are equipped with a five-speed adjustable fan, a UV light, and a series of filters designed to remove volatile organic compounds.
Residents interested in applying for an air purifier should go to unitedwaybristol.org to complete an online application. Additional information is available by contacting the United Way of Bristol TN/VA at (423) 968-4912.
