Local Attorney, Richard Schwartz, donated 1000 N95 face masks to healthcare workers of Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative, Inc. on Wednesday, May 6, 2020.  The masks will be distributed among the 17 clinics that make up Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative Incorporations network of community health centers throughout the Pine Belt.  The masks will also be used for their drive through testing centers over the coming weeks at Hattiesburg Family Health Center on May 13, at Beaumont Family Health Center on May 19, and at Seminary Family Health Center on May 21.  N95 masks, which protect wearers from airborne particles, are in short supply worldwide because of the coronavirus pandemic.  A shortage of equipment vital to protecting our healthcare professionals has become a huge concern for frontline workers treating COVID-19 patients. Schwartz says, “We recognize the need to support our most vulnerable essential workers during this crisis, which are our healthcare workers.  I wanted to do my part by donating these face masks to local hospitals.”  Schwartz will be donating face masks to other local hospitals in cities throughout the state.  Click here to view the news coverage from WDAM.