200,000 Face Masks Distributed To Newark Families

NEWARK, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of BRICK Education Network. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site.

BRICK Education Network, New Jersey’s only Black-led charter management organization (CMO), announced that it has distributed nearly 200,000 masks to Newark families through its #StayCoveredTogether campaign. #StayCoveredTogether is a citywide campaign dedicated to helping protect Newark families from COVID-19, a community that has been devastated by the pandemic over the last year.

“BRICK Education Network is committed to helping Newark’s families rebuild from this unprecedented health and economic crisis,” said Tish Johnson, Managing Director of External Relations & Communications for BRICK. “BRICK launched the #StayCoveredTogether campaign because our community has been hit especially hard by the COVID-19 pandemic over the last year, and it is critical that we give people the resources they need to protect themselves from this virus.”

Every home in Newark’s South Ward recently received masks. In total, nearly 200,000 masks were distributed. This milestone far surpasses BRICK’s initial goal of distributing 100,000 masks by June 2021. In addition to distributing masks, the campaign is also launching digital ads, billboards and mailings to help educate more people about the importance of wearing a mask.

“We worked tirelessly to exceed our goal three months early, however we know that there is still more work to do to provide our families with the personal protective equipment (PPE) and hand sanitizer they need to stay safe,” continued Johnson. “That is why we are relaunching this critical campaign and redoubling our efforts to reach as many families as possible.”

BRICK was among a handful of non-profit organizations across the nation selected by the Harlem Children’s Zone (HCZ) to participate in the #StayCoveredTogether campaign. BRICK is the only partner organization in the tri-state area and Northeast region that was selected as part of the ongoing COVID-19 response and recovery efforts. Newark was one of six U.S. cities selected because it is one of the hardest hit communities of color.

“The #StayCoveredTogether campaign is so important to protect the health and safety of Newark residents,” said Vivian Fraser Cox, president and CEO of the Urban League of Essex County. “Over the last year, we have seen how communities of color have been disproportionately impacted by this deadly virus. We must all work together to lift each other up during this difficult time, and we look forward to working with BRICK Education Network to help reach our friends and neighbors through this campaign.”

BRICK partners with local Newark organizations to distribute masks to residents who need them most. Masks were distributed following CDC guidelines during school and communitywide events. BRICK provides hand sanitizer and educational information about how to safely wear a mask with the masks.

For more information about #StayCoveredTogether, click here.

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