OCA’s David Yao and CAMDC’s Penny Yao with staff at Hagerstown Hospital in Maryland.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Chinese American Museum Foundation Donating Respiratory Face Masks to
Metro DC Community

May 4, 2020

WASHINGTON, DC – The Chinese American Museum Foundation, a non-profit management team of museum, historical, and operational professionals building a new Chinese American museum in downtown DC, announced the donation of approximately 100,000 units of personal protective equipment (PPE) to local facilities, civic organizations, and first responders on the front lines of the pandemic. After discussions with the different at-risk groups, it was determined that the most critical need was respiratory face masks.

The donation is made possible by two museum board members, Philip Qiu and Neil Chen, who used their contacts overseas to expedite the manufacturing and shipment of supplies.

Donated masks will be divided among various recipients in the District, Maryland, and Virginia. Partner organizations including the 1882 Foundation and OCA – Asian Pacific American Advocates are helping to distribute the material.

“Around the time we expected to navigate the shipping and customs for our first delivery, the overseas requirements for exporting and certification for PPE suddenly changed,” explained Executive Director, David Uy. “This delayed us for several weeks, but thanks to the work of many, we are happy to announce that we are distributing our first shipment of 10,000 units to those in need. Because of demand and the logistics involved, we will be receiving masks in multiple shipments directly from the manufacturer.”

The museum is currently closed during the health crisis. Visitor hours will be reevaluated when public areas are given clearance to reopen. The Foundation’s team continues to develop the museum and encourages those interested to visit the web site at www.chineseamericanmuseum.org.

The Chinese American Museum Foundation is a non-profit, non-political, non-geopolitical 501(c)(3) organization based in Washington, DC. Its mission is to advance the understanding, knowledge, and appreciation of the Chinese American experience, by highlighting the history, culture, spirit, and contributions of Chinese Americans to our nation and beyond.