Face masks being distributed locally to the public

A limited quantity of surgical face masks is being distributed locally as a free resource for at-risk individuals and others who wish to wear masks as protection against the new coronavirus.

The initiative is being spearheaded by retired Blaine physician Dr. Marta Kazymyra, with support from an anonymous donor, community volunteer Joe Zaccaria and two local churches.

“Someone very generously made these masks available,” said Dr. Kazymyra. “There are no guarantees that the masks will stop you from getting infected, but something is better than nothing. We are doing what we can.”

According to Dr. Kazymyra, the anonymous donor has business connections in China and recently ordered thousands of surgical masks, including 2,500 for Blaine and Birch Bay residents. The individual spent thousands of dollars to have the masks shipped by air freight. They arrived around April 10.

To ensure that 2,500 of the masks reach locals in need, Dr. Kazymyra and Zaccaria partnered with two local churches where the masks were being distributed this week. Masks were being made available in the parking lot of Blaine Christian Fellowship, 902 Adelia Street on Wednesday, April 15 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. and at The Bridge Community Hope Center, 4815 Alderson Road on Thursday, April 16 from 1 to 2 p.m.

Blaine Christian Fellowship pastor Justin Long and The Bridge chaplain Lee Connors are helping to facilitate distribution. The distribution will be repeated next week at the same days, times and locations if supplies are still available.

People desiring masks are encouraged to stay in their vehicles and wear a mask if available, so that the masks can be brought out to their car by volunteers wearing masks and gloves. Recipients were being given five masks per person.

The masks were being made available to people at their own risk. “We hold no liability. If you don’t feel comfortable taking these, please do not take them,” Dr. Kazymyra said. She said that surgical masks are only meant to be worn once; however, it is suggested that individuals wipe the insides down with rubbing alcohol and reuse them as long as possible if they otherwise lack protective equipment.

On April 13, Dr. Kazymyra donated 500 of the masks to Point Roberts via fire chief Christopher Carleton. Any leftover masks will be handed out locally. A couple of weeks ago, Dr. Kazymyra donated about 150 N95 masks to Whatcom Unified Command and about 30 N95 masks and 200 surgical masks to Good Samaritan Society – Stafholt in Blaine.

She has also handed out masks at grocery stores, at the post office and to people walking around in public. “People are extremely grateful to get them,” she said. “They were jumping and yelling and full of thanks.”