Bank of America mask gift benefits local farmworkers
EL CENTRO – Imperial County farmworkers are among the beneficiaries of a gift of nearly 1 million surgical masks donated by Bank of America.
The Imperial County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office received 200,000 of the masks via the state Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES).
“The masks are intended for fieldworkers and other agriculture workers operating in Imperial County,” Deputy Agricultural Commissioner Jolene Dessert said.
Dessert said the office distributes masks Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., by appointment only. She said farming companies contact the Agricultural Commissioner’s Office and provides its work activity and contact information. The masks are then picked up at the office.
To make an appointment for masks, call Cynthia Paz, agriculture biologist III at (442) 265-1500.
Throughout the pandemic, Cal OES has partnered with businesses and organizations to distribute additional supplies of personal protective equipment to California’s essential workers.
“Partnerships with the private sector has been invaluable as we continue to respond to the pandemic and the needs of our essential workers. We are thankful for Bank of America’s donation of one million surgical masks, which demonstrates we are truly in this together,” said Abby Browning, Chief, Cal OES Office of Private Sector and Non-Governmental Organization Coordination.
The Bank of America masks were also distributed to the agricultural commissioners in Fresno, San Diego, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties.
Providing PPE to frontline workers has been an important part of COVID-19 response by augmenting existing efforts to protect the health and safety of those in critical economic sectors.
“The surgical masks are intended for one-time use,” Dessert said. “All agriculture workers are encouraged to wear face masks or face-coverings because social distancing is not always possible in their work environment.”
“As a major employer and essential business in California, Bank of America understands that we have a responsibility to help protect the most vulnerable members of our community in these challenging times,” said Thong Nguyen, Bank of America vice chairman. “With our donation of 1 million PPE masks to the state Office of Emergency Services for distribution to our agriculture workers who have been disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus, we are helping to protect essential workers and the critical supply chain that feeds much of our nation.”