Free air conditioners to qualified persons

Jefferson County Public Health has secured 96 portable air conditioning units in the last week through state funding for Jefferson County residents.

These are portable room units that stay inside and vent through a window to the outside. Dr. Michael Baker, director of Jefferson County Public Health, said that from what he saw and read, they are energy efficient and high-quality units. The units have built in wi-fi capabilities to control them from your phone.

Thirty-six units are avaibale as of 1 p.m. Thursday. Jefferson County Public Health has created sign-up and wait list. Those interested in signing up can call Jefferson County Public Health at (541) 475-4456 or by visting the Oregon Health Authority website HERE .

Baker had already received four pallets of air conditioners from OHA, but they were quickly claimed. Another annoucnement of stock July 6 made it possible to get more available for Jefferson County Residents.

They were able to receive 48 units initially, which were delivered on Sunday July 7. After posting the availability on Facebook, all the original units were delivered and installed by Monday July 8.

Baker scored another 48 units July 10, which will arrive July 11. JCPH is working with partners in the community to distribute and install the units.

The program is designed to protect people who are at risk from extreme heat and wildfire smoke.

To qualify for a free AC unit, you must:

Not already have an ACGet medical assistance now or have in the past 12 months through:Have Oregon Health Plan open card (fee-for-service) coverage. Open card members are not enrolled in a coordinated care organization (CCO),Have support from Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) or MedicareBe at risk for heat-related illness because you're: 65 years or older, a medically fragile child, or have a medical condition that's made worse by heat or smoke.Medical conditons may include things like: Diabetes, Heart disease, Hypertension, Obesity, Asthma