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Chicago Clean Air Resilience Network @chicagocarn.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Chi-CARN creates free and low-cost access to clean indoor air resources in Chicago. We offer free K95/N95 masks, and low-cost borrowing of air purifiers and other clean air equipment available through the Windy City ToolBank’s lending program.

Informational page for the Chicago Clean Air Resilience Network (Chi-CARN). Text reads: Chicago Clean Air Resilience Network (Chi-CARN) creates free and low-cost access to clean indoor air resources in Chicago. We offer free K95/N95 masks, and low-cost borrowing of air purifiers and other clean air equipment available through the Windy City ToolBank’s lending program. Any nonprofit or mission-based organization in the Chicagoland area can access equipment for our lending program. Borrow equipment: Air quality monitors, air purifiers, dehumidifiers, Far-UVC. Free supplies: High quality masks, MERV-13 air filters, DIY air cleaner materials, COVID, flu, and RSV tests. hello@chicagocarn.org. chicagocarn.org

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Chicago Clean Air Resilience Network @chicagocarn.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Montserrat Jimenez is our summer intern at Windy City ToolBank and Chi-CARN. Montserrat is interested in helping communities bridge the gap between health and accessibility. She has translated our informational material from English to Spanish in order to reach a broader audience.

Montserrat Jimenez: A Hispanic women with shoulder-length brown hair
Organization: Windy City Toolbank Intern (via Healthy Hood)
Bio: Intern at Windy City ToolBank and Chi-CARN, Montserrat is interested in helping communities bridge the gap between health and accessibility. She has translated informational material from English to Spanish in order to reach a broader audience.

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Chicago Clean Air Resilience Network @chicagocarn.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Julia Hester is our summer intern for Chi-CARN and Windy City ToolBank, with a background in animation, illustration, and community work. She seeks to use her creativity to help bring about social change, connection, and education. She is also the creator of our amazing Chi-CARN logo!

Julia Hester: A Black woman with long twisted hair wearing a black turtleneck
Organization: Chi-CARN Intern (via Healthy Hood)
Bio: Intern for the Chicago Clean Air Resilience Network and Windy City ToolBank, with a background in animation, illustration, and community work. She seeks to use her creativity to help bring about social change, connection, and education.

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Reposted by Chicago Clean Air Resilience Network

Public Health Action Network @publichealthaction.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

We were delighted to co-host this Zoom discussion with @airsupportproject.bsky.social about the new @chicagocarn.bsky.social project. Getting clean-air materials like N95+ masks and air purifiers into the hands of people who need them at no cost to them will improve public health overall.

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Chicago Clean Air Resilience Network @chicagocarn.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Victoria Jaqua is the Director of Development for Open Source Medical Supplies (OSMS) and community coordination platform SOS. She manages multiple open-source projects in the medical, humanitarian, and disaster response spaces.

Victoria Jaqua: A white women with long light brown hair and a colorful top
Organization: SOS
Bio: Director of Development for Open Source Medical Supplies (OSMS) and community coordination platform SOS. Manages multiple open-source projects in the medical, humanitarian, and disaster response spaces.

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Chicago Clean Air Resilience Network @chicagocarn.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Theresa O’Connor is the Communications Manager for Public Health Action Network (@publichealthaction.bsky.social) with a background in communications, health justice, and mutual aid. She oversees all external communications from PHAN and builds bridges with other clean-air organizations.

Theresa O’Connor: A white woman with light brown, medium length hair
Organization: Public Health Action Network
Bio: Communications Manager for Public Health Action Network with a background in communications, health justice, and mutual aid. Oversees all external communications from PHAN and builds bridges with other clean-air organizations.

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Chicago Clean Air Resilience Network @chicagocarn.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Tarz Ludwigsen is the Executive Director of Public Health Action Network (@publichealthaction.bsky.social). He is a leader with a history of developing solutions in emerging industries and technologies.

Tarz Ludwigsen: A white man with blonde hair in a purple shirt
Organization: Public Health Action Network
Bio: Executive Director of Public Health Action Network. A leader with a history of developing solutions in emerging industries and technologies.

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Chicago Clean Air Resilience Network @chicagocarn.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Jessica Pohto is the Executive Director of Windy City ToolBank and Midwest Territory Manager for ToolBank Disaster Services. She oversees Chi-CARN’s logistics, community lending program, and involvement in disaster response.

Jessica Pohto: A white women with short curly hair wearing a Toolbank T-Shirt
Organization: Windy City ToolBank
Bio: Executive Director of Windy City ToolBank and Midwest Territory Manager for ToolBank Disaster Services. Oversees Chi-CARN’s logistics, community lending program, and involvement in disaster response.

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Chicago Clean Air Resilience Network @chicagocarn.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Melissa Smallwood is the co-director of Air Support Project (@airsupportproject.bsky.social) and program manager for Chi-CARN, with background in science policy, strategic foresight, and public health.

Melissa Smallwood: A white nonbinary person with short brown hair and cat-eye glasses
Organization: Air Support Project
Bio: Co-director of Air Support Project and program manager for Chi-CARN, with background in science policy, strategic foresight, and public health.

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Chicago Clean Air Resilience Network @chicagocarn.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Sarah Masih is the Executive Director of Air Support Project (@airsupportproject.bsky.social), with background in medicine and organizational vision. She is passionate about public health advocacy and equitable access to clean indoor air.

Sarah Masih: A South Asian woman with long curly hair and red lipstick
Organization: Air Support Project
Bio: Executive Director of Air Support Project, with background in medicine and organizational vision. Passionate about public health advocacy and equitable access to clean indoor air.

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Chicago Clean Air Resilience Network @chicagocarn.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Meet the team working to build the Chicago Clean Air Resilience Network! We are a collaborative project focused on increasing access to free air purifiers, N95 masks, and more in Chicago! Our coalition brings together experience from public health, clean air, disaster relief, tech, and more.

Team introduction page for Chicago Clean Air Resilience Network (Chi-CARN), featuring six team-member photographs.

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Chicago Clean Air Resilience Network @chicagocarn.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Featuring: Melissa Smallwood from Air Support Project Jess Pohto from Windy City ToolBank Tarz Ludwigsen from Public Health Action Network

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Chicago Clean Air Resilience Network @chicagocarn.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Chi-CARN is a collaborative project that is expanding access to clean air resources across Chicago by offering free K95/N95 masks, and low-cost borrowing of air purifiers and other clean air equipment available through Windy City ToolBank’s lending program.

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Chicago Clean Air Resilience Network @chicagocarn.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

We were on this month's Public Health Action Network (publichealthaction.bsky.social) community call to do a deep dive on Chi-CARN! We talked about how we are bringing this project to life, how we originally came together, and our long-term goals for the project. www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJP8...

youtube.com

PHAN and ASP present: Chi-CARN, the Chicago Clean Air Resilience Network

YouTube video by Public Health Action Network

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Chicago Clean Air Resilience Network @chicagocarn.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

We are having a community call this Thursday, August 13th, at 11 AM CT, with @publichealthaction.bsky.social and Windy City ToolBank, and we would love for you to attend and learn more about our program! We are building a clean air lending library in Chicago. Register at tinyurl.com/chicagocarn

Alt text: Instagram post promoting CHI-CARN’s August 13 Zoom event, “Meet CHI-CARN,” with a registration link, a note that a free Zoom account is required and the event will be recorded, and the time listed as 11 a.m. CT / 12 p.m. ET.

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Chicago Clean Air Resilience Network @chicagocarn.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

Our goal is to be prepared to deploy our purifiers and masks to Chicago organizations by the time the next smoke event or air quality crisis hits! #cleanair #wildfiresmoke #mutualaid #chicago

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Chicago Clean Air Resilience Network @chicagocarn.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

We have some extremely exciting incoming donations in the works, and we could really use some money in the bank to make sure we can get these into our warehouse as soon as possible.

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Chicago Clean Air Resilience Network @chicagocarn.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

Your donation helps us cover crucial outstanding costs for our program, such as expanding our inventory, covering shipping costs for donated equipment, project promotion and outreach, and supporting our coalition’s operating expenses.

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Chicago Clean Air Resilience Network @chicagocarn.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

We are raising $5,000 to support the launch of our clean air tool lending program, which offers low-cost lending of air purifiers and other specialty clean air equipment to nonprofit and mission-driven organizations, as well as FREE high-quality masks. Donate at tinyurl.com/AirOutChicago!

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Reposted by Chicago Clean Air Resilience Network

Public Health Action Network @publichealthaction.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

Live chat about the #Chicago Clean Air Resilience Network (Chi-CARN) on IG tonight: 5pm PT / 7pm CT / 8PM ET. Chi-CARN is a collaboration with PHAN, @airsupportproject.bsky.social, SOS, and Windy City Toolbank, dedicated to bringing free masks and other clean-air materials to Chicago-area residents.

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Chicago Clean Air Resilience Network @chicagocarn.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

Just a note that this is a separate event from the Instagram Live that we will be doing tomorrow!

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Chicago Clean Air Resilience Network @chicagocarn.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

Want to learn more about Chi-CARN and the people running it? Join us for an Instagram Live chat with @keithmuise80.bsky.social of @publichealthaction.bsky.social, Jessica Pohto of Windy City ToolBank, and Sarah and Melissa of @airsupportproject.bsky.social Thursday August 6th at 7p CT/ 8p ET!

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Chicago Clean Air Resilience Network @chicagocarn.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

Together, we care about the clean air in your community by ensuring every nonprofit, school, library, mutual aid group, and neighborhood organization has equitable access to clean air tools. Thank you for helping us build a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient Chicago.

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Chicago Clean Air Resilience Network @chicagocarn.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

About Chi-CARN The Chicago Clean Air Resilience Network is a coalition led by @airsupportproject.bsky.social and co-founded with @publichealthaction.bsky.social (PHAN), SOS, and Windy City ToolBank.

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Chicago Clean Air Resilience Network @chicagocarn.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

Your donation helps us grow this community resource by: - Expanding our lending inventory - Covering shipping and transport costs - Supporting logistics and operations Boosting our fundraiser or signing up for our program as a nonprofit expands clean air impact.

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Chicago Clean Air Resilience Network @chicagocarn.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

Chicago Clean Air Resilience Network “Chi-CARN” is launching through grassroots support and in-kind donations. Air Out Chicago is a fundraiser to help us build our #cleanair equipment lending program in Chicago. Help us reach our goal of $5,000: tinyurl.com/AirOutChicago

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Chicago Clean Air Resilience Network @chicagocarn.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

If you are a community-based organization interested in our lending program or sharing your experiences with wildfire smoke or indoor air quality we would like to hear from you.

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Chicago Clean Air Resilience Network @chicagocarn.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

Our program is seeking in-kind donations to help us build capacity to serve Chicago. For vendors interested in donating to our lending program, please reach out.

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Chicago Clean Air Resilience Network @chicagocarn.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

Building safety: Invisible health risks - including mold, radon, asbestos, VOCs, and chemical exposure - can spread in older or poorly maintained buildings. Borrowing tests and sensors from Chi-CARN helps identify potential concerns and make informed decisions for healthier indoor spaces.

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Chicago Clean Air Resilience Network @chicagocarn.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

Mission support: In-person events become more accessible with the addition of air purifiers, high-quality masks, far UVC, and COVID and flu testing.

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Chicago Clean Air Resilience Network @chicagocarn.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

Building construction: Pollutants can be released into the air during building construction and maintenance. Air purifiers, particle monitors, and masking can help protect your clients and staff.

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Chicago Clean Air Resilience Network @chicagocarn.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

Situations in which Chi-CARN might be helpful: Preparedness and recovery: Borrowing our equipment before a climate event, or using it to help clean-up, protects indoor air without the hassle of buying new equipment.

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Chicago Clean Air Resilience Network @chicagocarn.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

For us, the recent wildfire smoke that hovered over for days validated our mission to offer lendable clean indoor air equipment and free N95 masks to nonprofits and mission-based organizations in Chicago.

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Chicago Clean Air Resilience Network @chicagocarn.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

Clean Air Resilience Network (Chi-CARN) is here to build community resilience for wildfire smoke events and other air quality emergencies. No one should breathe unhealthy air and our hearts go out to the organizations and people impacted by smoke. #IndoorAirQuality #WildfireSmoke #MutualAid

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Chicago Clean Air Resilience Network @chicagocarn.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

We are both grateful and honored to receive our first in-kind donation of high quality children’s masks from WellBefore! 1,500 extra small kids’ KN95 masks, 1,500 small kids’ KN95 masks, and 90 regular kids KN95 masks. They will be used to help kids with conditions like asthma breathe easier.

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Chicago Clean Air Resilience Network @chicagocarn.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

We are working hard to have DIY air purifier supplies available to any interested Chicago-based nonprofits or mission-based organizations. Pre-registration forms will be online next week.

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Chicago Clean Air Resilience Network @chicagocarn.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

Our instructions are based on a 20 inch box fan and four 20x20x1 MERV-13 filters. Keep in mind that a box fan plus any number of filters can result in different configurations. You can even swap out the box fan for PC fans for more design variations and quieter performance.

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Chicago Clean Air Resilience Network @chicagocarn.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

If you are stuck in the smoke, now is a good time to make your own air cleaner, also known as a Corsi-Rosenthal Box. DIY air purifiers (made using a box fan and 4 MERV-13 filters) out-perform many air purifiers on the market. MERV-13 HVAC filters are widely available at local hardware stores.

Infographic from the Chicago Clean Air Resilience Network titled “Make Your Own DIY Air Cleaner.” It explains how to build a DIY air purifier (Corsi-Rosenthal box) using a 20-inch box fan, four MERV 13 filters, duct tape, cardboard, and scissors or a box cutter. The guide is organized into five illustrated steps: (1) gather materials; (2) make a cardboard fan shroud by cutting a 20-inch square with a 14-inch circular opening and taping it to the fan; (3) arrange four filters into a square with airflow arrows pointing inward, add a cardboard base, and place the fan on top blowing upward; (4) tape and seal all seams to prevent air leaks; and (5) place the finished purifier in an open area 1–3 feet from surrounding objects, ideally elevated off the floor and away from open windows, and run it on the highest comfortable fan speed. The infographic notes that, when assembled correctly, the DIY purifier removes particles such as pollen, dust, wildfire smoke, viruses, and pet dander, and can outperform many commercial air purifiers. The bottom of the graphic includes the website ChicagoCARN.org, the email hello@chicagocarn.org, and a CC BY-ND 4.0 license.

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Chicago Clean Air Resilience Network @chicagocarn.bsky.social · 18/07/2026

Through a community-driven model, we are expanding access to clean air resources across Chicago by creating a shared stockpile of free N95 masks, and low-cost borrowing of air purifiers and other clean air equipment available through the Windy City ToolBank’s lending program.

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Chicago Clean Air Resilience Network @chicagocarn.bsky.social · 18/07/2026

Chi-CARN is a coordinated, multi-partner initiative led by @airsupportproject.bsky.social and co-founded with @publichealthaction.bsky.social, SOS, and Windy City ToolBank - four 501c3 nonprofits who united around the mission of not letting bad air get in the way of good work.

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Chicago Clean Air Resilience Network @chicagocarn.bsky.social · 18/07/2026

We care about clean air and believe that everyone should have access to it. If you are a nonprofit or mission based organization in need of N95 masks or air cleaning equipment, please email us at hello@chicagocarn.org

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Chicago Clean Air Resilience Network @chicagocarn.bsky.social · 18/07/2026

Currently, we are seeking in-kind donations to help fill our inventory. Please consider supporting us if you are a company with N95 masks, air quality monitors, air purifiers, MERV-13 air filters or other air cleaning supplies.

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Chicago Clean Air Resilience Network @chicagocarn.bsky.social · 18/07/2026

Right now is the time to air out Chicago, and we need help buying tools and equipment for our lending program. Our goal is to end the scramble that nonprofits in our city face when the smoke hits.

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Chicago Clean Air Resilience Network @chicagocarn.bsky.social · 18/07/2026

Through our lending program, nonprofits and mission-based organizations can access air purifiers, MERV-13 air filters, N95 masks, and other clean air equipment that can help make indoor spaces safe from smoke.

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Chicago Clean Air Resilience Network @chicagocarn.bsky.social · 18/07/2026

People are told to stay indoors during smoke events, without direction or support on how to keep smoke from entering indoor spaces. That is why the Chicago Clean Air Resilience Network (Chi-CARN) is working to make clean air resources available to everyone.

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Chicago Clean Air Resilience Network @chicagocarn.bsky.social · 18/07/2026

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Chicago Clean Air Resilience Network @chicagocarn.bsky.social · 18/07/2026

The #wildfiresmoke blanketing #Chicago caught many people off-guard, without the tools to protect themselves. Wildfire smoke is hazardous for everyone - inhaling it has lingering health effects for days to weeks after exposure, and can even lead to hospitalization for people with chronic conditions.

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Reposted by Chicago Clean Air Resilience Network

Clarity Movement @joinclarity.bsky.social · 18/07/2026

Our #AirQuality network with @DOEE_DC is back in the news - this time not because of #fireworks but #WildfireSmoke. CEO & Co-Founder @david_clarity joined @nbcwashington to share what Canadian #wildfire #smoke #AirPollution means for #DC & how sensors help residents stay safe.

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Chicago Clean Air Resilience Network @chicagocarn.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

If your nonprofit is interested in our program, please register through Windy City ToolBank and spread the word about us on your social media channels!

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Chicago Clean Air Resilience Network @chicagocarn.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

We are launching a fundraiser next week to raise $20,000 to cover our equipment, shipping, and operational costs. If you are a vendor who wants to donate equipment, please email us at hello@chicagocarn.org.

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