Benzie-Leelanau District Health Dept., Health Dept. of NW MI Distributing Free KN95 Masks

Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department and the Health Department of Northwest Michigan announced that they will be distributing free KN95 masks to Michiganders.

Beginning Wednesday, Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department will be distributing masks to community members at all of their office locations in their two-county jurisdiction of Benzie and Leelanau Counties.

They say masks will be available in as a two-pack, and the masks are first come, first served while supplies last from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at their below office locations:

• Benzie Office, 6051 Frankfort Hwy, Benzonia, MI 49616
• Leelanau Office, 7401 E. Duck Lake Road, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653

The health department says with the continuing surge of the coronavirus, staff recommend that individuals stay up to date on their COVID-19 vaccine and upgrade masks to a high filtration respirator such as the KN95.

They say wearing masks and getting vaccinated are their best tools against the virus.

Additionally, the health department is offering COVID-19 vaccination clinics for all residents and visitors ages 12 and older.

They say walk-ins are welcome at their community clinics, and parental consent is required for minors. Clinics offer individuals the choice of the Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccines.

Upcoming clinics include the following:

•  Wednesday, February 2nd – Community COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic for 12 years and older
  • Platte River Association, 12990 Honor Hwy, Honor, MI 49640. 3:00-5:00pm  To schedule an appointment:
• Wednesday, February 2nd – Leelanau’s Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic
  • BLDHD Leelanau Office, 7401 E. Duck Lake Road, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653. 8:00-12:00 and 1- 4:30pm. Appointments required. To schedule an appointment:
    • Vaccine: Pfizer (open to 5-17 years old ONLY, parent/guardian must accompany minor)
• Friday, January 3rd- Benzie’s Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic
  • BLDHD Benzie Office, 6051 Frankfort Hwy, Benzonia, MI 49616. 8:00-12:00 and 1- 4:30pm. Appointments required. To schedule an appointment:
    • Vaccine: Pfizer (open to 5-17 years old ONLY, parent/guardian must accompany minor)
• Tuesday, February 7th – Community COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic for 12 years and older
  • VFW Post 7731, 7475 E Duck Lake Rd, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653. 3:00-5:00pm. To schedule an appointment:

If you have questions or cannot find a time or date that works for you, call the Michigan COVID-19 hotline at 888-535-6136.

The Health Department of Northwest Michigan will also begin distributing free KN95 masks to community members at their office locations in Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet and Otsego Counties Wednesday.

Masks will be available in packs of two, and will be first come, first served while supplies last from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Offices can be visited in Bellaire, Charlevoix, Gaylord, Harbor Springs/Petoskey and Mancelona.

In addition to health department office locations, they have distributed KN95 masks to many partners to distribute for free. This includes local libraries, emergency management services, food pantries and some churches.

For information about their distribution opportunities, contact your local agency.