The Global Health Crisis Coordination Center (GHC3)’s has brought together its partner coalition in a nationwide effort to get 1 million masks and personal protective gear donated to Atlanta communities. Efforts have yielded 421,900 mask donations to Atlanta schools and nonprofits. Businesses and additional donors are asked to support this challenge by making donations and spreading awareness.

Metro Atlanta Chamber, Bank of America, and VGI Group are among the challenge’s initial supporters. “These mask donations assist local communities in addressing social, economic, and racial inequities magnified by the global pandemic, said Ken Berta, Executive Director of GHC3. “Businesses and the private sector are instrumental in helping communities overcome all the impacts of COVID-19.”

“Bank of America is committed to helping slow the spread of the virus by distributing personal protective equipment to our neighbors among the most vulnerable populations,” said Wendy Stewart, Atlanta market president for Bank of America. “We recently provided more than 140,000 masks to 14 Atlanta organizations, but we believe more can be done. In order to meet all the needs of the Atlanta community, we are challenging other businesses to help – this is a moment when our city needs us. And to the companies who have already pledged their support, thank you.”

“As the Metro Atlanta Chamber continues to stand behind the Get Georgia Well campaign and other efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and get our region and state on the road to economic recovery, we’re proud to support the Million Mask Challenge,” said Katie Kirkpatrick, president and CEO of the Metro Atlanta Chamber. “I encourage our business community to get involved and to support this effort however they can. It will take all of us to drive collective impact and address this public health crisis.”

Challenge participants are encouraged to use and tag @getgawell on Facebook, @get_ga_well on Twitter, and @get_ga_well on Instagram. To donate to the challenge or get more information on how to receive donations, contact the Metro Atlanta Chamber at [email protected].