Community representatives have worked diligently to keep Sanders County as safe as possible during the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic. Many local residents have seen the Montana Aware signage throughout the county; a campaign aimed at prioritizing the health and safety of Montana’s citizens and visitors, while keeping them up to date on the latest COVID-19 expert guidance. Leading the way in helping Sanders County residents stay safe during these times is Sanders County Community Development Corporation (SCCDC) Executive Director Ray Brown. SCCDC coordinated with Glacier Country Tourism to help distribute supplies throughout the county.

Brown’s dedication to the Sanders County community doesn’t stop at working to attain affordable housing in the area. With the help of the Montana Aware campaign, Brown has worked to distribute signage, face coverings and hand sanitizer free of charge throughout the county. “We paired up with some local non-profits, mainly Sanders County Coalition on Aging, and through a collaborative effort through December 31, we distributed 18,000 face masks, 5,000 gators and 38 gallons of hand sanitizer,” Brown said. “It ends up being 1.24 masks per resident.”

Brown said their primary distribution was through the council on aging, “that’s our most vulnerable population, and so for them to have that immediate access was pretty neat.” While the campaign has wrapped up on the push to keep everyone masked up, Brown says there are still supplies available to the public, as he anticipated the need would continue well into spring. If anyone is in need of face coverings and hand sanitizer, contact Brown at SCCDC, 827-6935.