Representatives from Catholic Charities of St. Louis visited the St. Louis County Department of Public Health’s John C. Murphy Health Center on Friday, June 5, to pick up 200,000 3-ply disposable masks purchased by the Public Health Department with Federal CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act funding.

“It is critical to us that these tools and supplies get in the hands of our most vulnerable residents as quickly as possible,” said Spring Schmidt, acting director of the St. Louis County Department of Health. “We appreciate our partnership with Catholic Charities of St. Louis and other vital partners who are helping us distribute masks to the community.”

The masks were quickly delivered to all eight Catholic Charities as well as to Archdiocese offices; Regina Cleri, a residence for retired priests; the Catholic Charities Central Office, and Operation Food Search.

“As a family of eight social services agencies directly assisting hundreds of adults and children daily, our need for personal protection equipment is great and ongoing.” said Don Halpin, Catholic Charities Chief Operating Officer. “We are grateful to the St. Louis County Department of Health for this generous supply of surgical-grade masks to help protect those in our care and those who provide that care.”