Women For A Healthy Environment

TO EDUCATE & EMPOWER COMMUNITY MEMBERS TO ACT AS AMBASSADORS ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RISKS.

HEALTHY HOMES:THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (EPA) REPORTS AMERICANS SPEND ABOUT 90% OF THEIR TIME INDOORS. A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF THAT TIME IS SPENT IN OUR HOMES, SO THESE PLACES SHOULD BE AS HEALTHY AS POSSIBLE. WOMEN FOR A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT (WHE) EDUCATES COMMUNITY MEMBERS ON THE MANY POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL RISK FACTORS IN AND AROUND THE HOME (SUCH AS LEAD, RADON, MOLD, POOR AIR QUALITY, PESTICIDE EXPOSURE, AND THE ARRAY OF HAZARDS FOUND IN CONSUMER PRODUCTS) THAT IMPACT PUBLIC HEALTH. AS PART OF OUR OUTREACH, PROGRAMMING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE, STAFF PROVIDE INFORMATION ON CONNECTIONS TO HEALTH IMPACTS SUCH AS LEAD POISONING AND ASTHMA, AS WELL AS CONCRETE ACTION STEPS INDIVIDUALS CAN TAKE TO AVOID OR ELIMINATE THESE RISKS. CHILDREN ARE OUR MOST VULNERABLE POPULATION. POUND FOR POUND CHILDREN BREATHE MORE AIR, DRINK MORE WATER AND CONSUME MORE FOOD THAN ADULTS. THEREFORE, WHE OFFERS SOLUTIONS FOR CREATING A HEALTHY AND SAFE HOME ENVIRONMENT FOR FAMILIES, WITH AN EMPHASIS ON WORKING IN ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE COMMUNITIES. THIS PROGRAMMING ENGAGES FAMILIES VISITING SOCIAL SERVICE AGENCIES SUCH AS FAMILY SUPPORT CENTERS, HEALTH CARE CENTERS, AND COMMUNITY GROUPS WITH TOOLS, INFORMATION AND RESOURCES THAT FOCUS ON CREATING A GREEN AND HEALTHY HOME ENVIRONMENT. THE SESSIONS AND ONLINE MATERIALS EDUCATE PARTICIPANTS ON POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS IN THE HOME AND PROVIDE SOLUTIONS FOR CHANGE LIKE UTILIZING SAFER CLEANING METHODS AND PRODUCTS, PROVIDING WATER FILTERS, DISTRIBUTING HEALTHY HOME KITS, CONNECTING FAMILIES TO LEGAL AID AND OTHER SOCIAL SERVICES. OVER 800 INDIVIDUALS ACROSS THE REGION WERE EDUCATED AND INFORMED ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RISKS IN THE HOME DURING FISCAL YEAR 2021. DURING THE PANDEMIC, WHE LAUNCHED A VIRTUAL "LUNCH AND LEARN" SERIES THAT FOCUSED ON SUCH ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH TOPICS AS AIR AND WATER QUALITY, CLIMATE CHANGE, CANCER AND ENVIRONMENT, HEALTHY HOME PRINCIPLES (INCLUDING HAZARDS SUCH AS LEAD, RADON AND PEST MANAGEMENT). THIS SERIES HAD OVER 1,700 ONLINE VIEWS. EMPHASIS WAS PLACED ON EDUCATING AND ENGAGING THOSE IN THE MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH (MCH) FIELD, WITH A FOCUS ON ASTHMA TRIGGERS AND LEAD EXPOSURE. NEIGHBORHOOD-BASED WORK WAS DELIVERED IN THE MON VALLEY BY WHE'S COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER. THIS INCLUDED THE LAUNCH OF CONDUCTING HEALTHY HOME ASSESSMENTS. STAFF ALSO DISTRIBUTED OVER 200 HEALTHY HOME KITS THAT INCLUDED SAFE AND EFFECTIVE CLEANING PRODUCTS, DO-IT-YOURSELF RECIPES FOR HEALTHY CLEANING AND FILTERS THAT REMOVE LEAD IN DRINKING WATER. WHE STAFF PROVIDED ASSISTANCE TO OVER TWO DOZEN FAMILIES WHO HAD CONCERNS ABOUT LEAD EXPOSURE IN THE HOME, SOME WITH CHILDREN DIAGNOSED WITH ELEVATED BLOOD LEAD LEVELS. IN ADDITION, WHE ALSO HOSTED A COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER SUMMIT IN THE FALL OF 2020. THE GOALS OF THIS VIRTUAL PROGRAM WERE TO HEAR FROM REGIONAL COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS, AS WELL AS STATEWIDE AND NATIONAL LEADERS WHO SHARED BEST PRACTICES, PERSPECTIVES ON SUSTAINABILITY OF THE SECTOR, AND THE UNIQUE ROLES COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS UNDERTAKE IN THE COMMUNITY. HEALTH EQUITY, SOCIAL JUSTICE AND ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE WERE ADDRESSED THROUGHOUT.LASTLY, DURING THIS PERIOD WHE LAUNCHED A NEW WEBSITE THAT FEATURES A NEW BLOG AND VIDEOS, AS WELL AS CONTAINS NEW WHE CONTENT SUCH AS THE UPDATED HEALTHY HOMES PRINT MATERIALS THAT FOCUSED ON THE FOLLOWING: PFAS, RADON, MOLD, PEST MANAGEMENT, COAL TAR, CLIMATE CHANGE, ASTHMA AND AIR QUALITY.

HEALTHY SCHOOLS:HEALTHY SCHOOLS PA WORKS CLOSELY WITH THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY, INCLUDING ADMINISTRATORS, STAFF (SCHOOL NURSES, FACILITY DIRECTORS, FOOD SERVICE DIRECTORS), TEACHERS AND PARENTS, TO IDENTIFY AND REMEDIATE ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS IN SCHOOLS ACROSS SOUTHWESTERN PA. WE PROVIDE INFORMATION, SUPPORT, AND HANDS-ON EXPERTISE SO THAT CHILDREN CAN THRIVE AND LEARN IN HEALTHY, TOXIC-FREE SETTINGS. WHETHER A SCHOOL DISTRICT IS RENOVATING A SCHOOL, BUILDING A NEW FACILITY, OR MAINTAINING EXISTING BUILDINGS, MANY ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS CONTRIBUTE TO NEGATIVE HEALTH IMPACTS.CURRICULUM: WOMEN FOR A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT'S (WHE) HEALTHY SCHOOLS PA PROGRAM ENGAGES MEMBERS OF THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY TO BUILD AN ADVOCACY NETWORK FOR GREEN AND HEALTHY SCHOOLS, ADVANCE SOCIAL AND POLICY CHANGE IN SCHOOL SYSTEMS, CREATE COLLABORATIONS THAT ADDRESS ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RISKS, AND FOSTER HEALTHY PLACES FOR CHILDREN TO LEARN AND GROW. STAFF PRESENTED INFORMATION ON THIS SUBJECT MATTER TO MULTIPLE PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATIONS/ORGANIZATIONS, AS WELL AS DURING REGIONAL CONFERENCES. IN ADDITION, STAFF DELIVERED ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH CURRICULA TO OVER 660 STUDENTS THROUGH CLASSROOM ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS, AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMMING AND SUMMER PROGRAMMING. THE LESSONS FOCUS ON AIR QUALITY (INDOOR AND AMBIENT), WATER QUALITY, FOOD AND THE ENVIRONMENT, AND CHEMISTRY IN CONSUMER PRODUCTS. DURING THE PANDEMIC, STAFF PIVOTED TO DEVELOP AND DELIVER STEAM KITS TO SUMMER CAMP PROGRAMS AND SUPPORTED SCHOOL PERSONNEL IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THEIR REOPENING PLANS TO ENSURE A SAFE RETURN TO SCHOOL. THIS INCLUDED PROVIDING INPUT TO PERKINS & WILL ON THEIR ROADMAP TO REOPENING GUIDANCE DOCUMENT. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: STAFF ASSISTED 460 SCHOOL PERSONNEL AND PROVIDED GREEN AND HEALTHY SCHOOL TRAINING. THIS SUPPORT FOCUSED ON AIR QUALITY ISSUES, INCLUDING MOLD, CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION PROJECTS, AND GREEN CLEANING. THE 1000 HOURS A YEAR INITIATIVE, IN COLLABORATION WITH THE GREEN BUILDING ALLIANCE, IS A PROGRAM TO SUPPORT SCHOOLS AND EARLY LEARNING CENTERS THAT WISH TO TEST AND REMEDIATE FOR LEAD AND RADON, TWO KNOW, YET PREVENTABLE, ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS IN LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS. STAFF ASSISTED WITH THE ANALYSIS OF TESTING RESULTS, AS WELL AS DEVELOPMENT OF REMEDIATION PLANS FOR EIGHT SCHOOL DISTRICTS IN WESTERN PA DURING FISCAL YEAR 21.TRAINING: HEALTHY SCHOOLS PA OFFERS TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES FOR SCHOOL COMMUNITY MEMBERS. IN THE FALL OF 2020, STAFF HOSTED THE ANNUAL HEALTHY SCHOOLS SUMMIT. THIS EVENT BROUGHT TOGETHER SCHOOL PROFESSIONALS, FACILITIES DIRECTORS, EDUCATIONS, AND ADMINISTRATORS TO LEARN ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH IN SCHOOLS AND COLLABORATE ON FINDING STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS TO ADVANCE SUSTAINABILITY AND HEALTH INITIATIVES IN SCHOOLS. DUE TO ITS VIRTUAL NATURE, THE SUMMIT ENGAGED PARTICIPANTS FROM TWELVE STATES AND WASHINGTON, D.C. THE KEYNOTE SPEAKER WAS TRACY ENGER WITH THE U.S. EPA AND TOPICS COVERED PUBLIC HEALTH DECISION MAKING IN SCHOOLS, CLEARING THE AIR: IAQ IN SCHOOLS AND THE HEALTHY SCHOOLS VIRTUAL AWARDS CEREMONY. WORKSHOPS WERE OFFERED FOR EDUCATORS, SCHOOL NURSES, AND YOUTH ACTIVISTS. ACT 48 CREDITS WERE GIVEN TO TEACHERS AND CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS TO NURSES.RECOGNITION: SCHOOLS ARE HONORED FOR THEIR YEAR-LONG PARTICIPATION IN THE ORGANIZATION'S HEALTHY SCHOOLS RECOGNITION PROGRAM, CELEBRATING THE SCHOOL'S PROGRESS IN CREATING HEALTHIER AND GREENER LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS. THE PROGRAM HAS FOUR RECOGNITION CATEGORIES AND PROVIDES A CHECKLIST OF STRATEGIES SCHOOLS CAN EMPLOY AS PART OF THEIR HEALTH AND WELLNESS OR SUSTAINABILITY PLANS, AS WELL AS CURRICULA. A CHECKLIST GUIDES SCHOOLS THROUGH THE PROCESS. HEALTHY SCHOOLS PA'S ASSISTANCE IS PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE WITH OFTEN LITTLE TO NO-COST SOLUTIONS FOR MANY ITEMS ON THE CHECKLIST. THE RECOGNITION OF THESE SCHOOLS AND THEIR WORK SERVES AS A MODEL FOR OTHER SCHOOLS IN THE REGION. IN THE FALL OF 2020, STAFF RECOGNIZED FOUR SCHOOLS/DISTRICTS FOR PARTICIPATING IN THE HEALTHY SCHOOL RECOGNITION PROGRAM.

HEALTHY EARLY LEARNING CENTERS:THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS' COUNCIL ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH HAS STATED THAT "THOSE WHO CARE FOR CHILDREN (CHILDCARE STAFF, PARENTS OR GUARDIANS, PHYSICIANS, SCHOOLS) SHOULD MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO MINIMIZE THE NEGATIVE HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENTAL EFFECTS OF TOXIN EXPOSURE. DURING INFANCY, CHILDREN OFTEN EXPLORE THEIR ENVIRONMENT ON THE FLOOR, EXPOSING THEMSELVES TO POTENTIALLY HARMFUL POLLUTANTS BROUGHT INDOORS FROM OUTSIDE, CLEANING PRODUCTS USED ON FLOOR SURFACES, AND PESTICIDES USED ON OUTDOOR GROUNDS. THROUGH STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT, INFANTS AND TODDLERS FREQUENTLY PLACE OBJECTS IN THEIR MOUTHS FURTHER INCREASING EXPOSURES. THEY HAVE HIGHER RESPIRATORY AND METABOLIC RATES, AS WELL AS AN IMMATURE BLOOD/BRAIN BARRIER AND IMMUNE SYSTEM. CAREGIVERS MUST TAKE PRECAUTION, BECOME INFORMED ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS, AND MAKE EFFORTS TO REDUCE OR ELIMINATE CERTAIN TOXINS IN THEIR ENVIRONMENTS." THROUGH WHE'S HEALTHY EARLY LEARNING PROGRAM STAFF PROVIDES TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOCUSED ON CREATING A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT FOR THE YOUNGEST POPULATION, INFANTS AND CHILDREN. THROUGH A COMBINATION OF MINI-GRANTS, EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE, WHE STAFF CERTIFY EARLY LEARNING CENTERS AS ECO-HEALTHY. THIS IS A PROGRAM CREATED BY THE CHILDREN'S ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH NETWORK'S ECO-HEALTHY CHILD CARE (EHHC) PROGRAM. THIS NATIONAL, AWARD-WINNING PROGRAM PARTNERS WITH CHILDCARE PROFESSIONALS TO ELIMINATE OR REDUCE ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH HAZARDS FOUND WITHIN OR AROUND CHILDCARE FACILITIES. WHE STAFF UTILIZES THE ECO HEALTHY CHILD CARE CHECKLIST TO WORK WITH CENTERS TO ADOPT HEALTHIER, GREENER PRACTICES IN THEIR FACILITIES. DURING FISCAL YEAR 21, STAFF CERTIFIED 33 CENTERS AS ECO-HEALTHY.WHE STAFF WORKS WITH CENTERS TO MINIMIZE AND MITIGATE ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS, WHICH BOTH CHILDREN AND EMPLOYEES MAY COME INTO CONTACT WITH DAILY. THROUGH THE HEALTHY EARLY LEARNING PROGRAM, CENTERS HAVE ACQUIRED GREEN CLEANING PRODUCTS, PURCHASED FILTERED WATER STATIONS, AND ADDRESSED INDOOR AIR QUALITY ISSUES. LASTLY, THIS PROGRAM PROVIDES FUNDS AND TECHNICAL EXPERTISE TO CENTERS FOR LEAD AND RADON TESTING, AS WELL AS REMEDIATION. EIGHT CENTERS WERE SUPPORTED THROUGH THE 1000 HOURS A YEAR PROGRAM AND RECEIVED LEAD AND RADON TESTING, AS WELL AS LEAD ABATEMENT AND RADON MITIGATION SYSTEMS WHEN NECESSARY, CREATING A HEALTHY LEARNING ENVIRONMENT. DURING THIS YEAR, STAFF ALSO WORKED WITH CENTERS CONCERNED WITH AIR QUALITY DURING THE PANDEMIC. WHE PURCHASED AND DISTRIBUTED ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY CLEANING PRODUCTS (ON THE EPA APPROVED "N" LIST) AS WELL AS AIR PURIFIERS TO OVER A DOZEN CENTERS, THE MAJORITY LOCATED IN ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE COMMUNITIES.

HEALTHY HOMES:THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (EPA) REPORTS AMERICANS SPEND ABOUT 90% OF THEIR TIME INDOORS. A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF THAT TIME IS SPENT IN OUR HOMES, SO THESE PLACES SHOULD BE AS HEALTHY AS POSSIBLE. WOMEN FOR A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT (WHE) EDUCATES COMMUNITY MEMBERS ON THE MANY POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL RISK FACTORS IN AND AROUND THE HOME (SUCH AS LEAD, RADON, MOLD, POOR AIR QUALITY, PESTICIDE EXPOSURE, AND THE ARRAY OF HAZARDS FOUND IN CONSUMER PRODUCTS) THAT IMPACT PUBLIC HEALTH. AS PART OF OUR OUTREACH, PROGRAMMING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE, STAFF PROVIDE INFORMATION ON CONNECTIONS TO HEALTH IMPACTS SUCH AS LEAD POISONING AND ASTHMA, AS WELL AS CONCRETE ACTION STEPS INDIVIDUALS CAN TAKE TO AVOID OR ELIMINATE THESE RISKS. CHILDREN ARE OUR MOST VULNERABLE POPULATION. POUND FOR POUND CHILDREN BREATHE MORE AIR, DRINK MORE WATER AND CONSUME MORE FOOD THAN ADULTS. THEREFORE, WHE OFFERS SOLUTIONS FOR CREATING A HEALTHY AND SAFE HOME ENVIRONMENT FOR FAMILIES, WITH AN EMPHASIS ON WORKING IN ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE COMMUNITIES. THIS PROGRAMMING ENGAGES FAMILIES VISITING SOCIAL SERVICE AGENCIES SUCH AS FAMILY SUPPORT CENTERS, HEALTH CARE CENTERS, AND COMMUNITY GROUPS WITH TOOLS, INFORMATION AND RESOURCES THAT FOCUS ON CREATING A GREEN AND HEALTHY HOME ENVIRONMENT. THE SESSIONS AND ONLINE MATERIALS EDUCATE PARTICIPANTS ON POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS IN THE HOME AND PROVIDE SOLUTIONS FOR CHANGE LIKE UTILIZING SAFER CLEANING METHODS AND PRODUCTS, PROVIDING WATER FILTERS, DISTRIBUTING HEALTHY HOME KITS, CONNECTING FAMILIES TO LEGAL AID AND OTHER SOCIAL SERVICES. OVER 800 INDIVIDUALS ACROSS THE REGION WERE EDUCATED AND INFORMED ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RISKS IN THE HOME DURING FISCAL YEAR 2021. DURING THE PANDEMIC, WHE LAUNCHED A VIRTUAL "LUNCH AND LEARN" SERIES THAT FOCUSED ON SUCH ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH TOPICS AS AIR AND WATER QUALITY, CLIMATE CHANGE, CANCER AND ENVIRONMENT, HEALTHY HOME PRINCIPLES (INCLUDING HAZARDS SUCH AS LEAD, RADON AND PEST MANAGEMENT). THIS SERIES HAD OVER 1,700 ONLINE VIEWS. EMPHASIS WAS PLACED ON EDUCATING AND ENGAGING THOSE IN THE MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH (MCH) FIELD, WITH A FOCUS ON ASTHMA TRIGGERS AND LEAD EXPOSURE. NEIGHBORHOOD-BASED WORK WAS DELIVERED IN THE MON VALLEY BY WHE'S COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER. THIS INCLUDED THE LAUNCH OF CONDUCTING HEALTHY HOME ASSESSMENTS. STAFF ALSO DISTRIBUTED OVER 200 HEALTHY HOME KITS THAT INCLUDED SAFE AND EFFECTIVE CLEANING PRODUCTS, DO-IT-YOURSELF RECIPES FOR HEALTHY CLEANING AND FILTERS THAT REMOVE LEAD IN DRINKING WATER. WHE STAFF PROVIDED ASSISTANCE TO OVER TWO DOZEN FAMILIES WHO HAD CONCERNS ABOUT LEAD EXPOSURE IN THE HOME, SOME WITH CHILDREN DIAGNOSED WITH ELEVATED BLOOD LEAD LEVELS. IN ADDITION, WHE ALSO HOSTED A COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER SUMMIT IN THE FALL OF 2020. THE GOALS OF THIS VIRTUAL PROGRAM WERE TO HEAR FROM REGIONAL COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS, AS WELL AS STATEWIDE AND NATIONAL LEADERS WHO SHARED BEST PRACTICES, PERSPECTIVES ON SUSTAINABILITY OF THE SECTOR, AND THE UNIQUE ROLES COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS UNDERTAKE IN THE COMMUNITY. HEALTH EQUITY, SOCIAL JUSTICE AND ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE WERE ADDRESSED THROUGHOUT.LASTLY, DURING THIS PERIOD WHE LAUNCHED A NEW WEBSITE THAT FEATURES A NEW BLOG AND VIDEOS, AS WELL AS CONTAINS NEW WHE CONTENT SUCH AS THE UPDATED HEALTHY HOMES PRINT MATERIALS THAT FOCUSED ON THE FOLLOWING: PFAS, RADON, MOLD, PEST MANAGEMENT, COAL TAR, CLIMATE CHANGE, ASTHMA AND AIR QUALITY.

HEALTHY SCHOOLS:HEALTHY SCHOOLS PA WORKS CLOSELY WITH THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY, INCLUDING ADMINISTRATORS, STAFF (SCHOOL NURSES, FACILITY DIRECTORS, FOOD SERVICE DIRECTORS), TEACHERS AND PARENTS, TO IDENTIFY AND REMEDIATE ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS IN SCHOOLS ACROSS SOUTHWESTERN PA. WE PROVIDE INFORMATION, SUPPORT, AND HANDS-ON EXPERTISE SO THAT CHILDREN CAN THRIVE AND LEARN IN HEALTHY, TOXIC-FREE SETTINGS. WHETHER A SCHOOL DISTRICT IS RENOVATING A SCHOOL, BUILDING A NEW FACILITY, OR MAINTAINING EXISTING BUILDINGS, MANY ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS CONTRIBUTE TO NEGATIVE HEALTH IMPACTS.CURRICULUM: WOMEN FOR A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT'S (WHE) HEALTHY SCHOOLS PA PROGRAM ENGAGES MEMBERS OF THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY TO BUILD AN ADVOCACY NETWORK FOR GREEN AND HEALTHY SCHOOLS, ADVANCE SOCIAL AND POLICY CHANGE IN SCHOOL SYSTEMS, CREATE COLLABORATIONS THAT ADDRESS ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RISKS, AND FOSTER HEALTHY PLACES FOR CHILDREN TO LEARN AND GROW. STAFF PRESENTED INFORMATION ON THIS SUBJECT MATTER TO MULTIPLE PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATIONS/ORGANIZATIONS, AS WELL AS DURING REGIONAL CONFERENCES. IN ADDITION, STAFF DELIVERED ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH CURRICULA TO OVER 660 STUDENTS THROUGH CLASSROOM ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS, AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMMING AND SUMMER PROGRAMMING. THE LESSONS FOCUS ON AIR QUALITY (INDOOR AND AMBIENT), WATER QUALITY, FOOD AND THE ENVIRONMENT, AND CHEMISTRY IN CONSUMER PRODUCTS. DURING THE PANDEMIC, STAFF PIVOTED TO DEVELOP AND DELIVER STEAM KITS TO SUMMER CAMP PROGRAMS AND SUPPORTED SCHOOL PERSONNEL IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THEIR REOPENING PLANS TO ENSURE A SAFE RETURN TO SCHOOL. THIS INCLUDED PROVIDING INPUT TO PERKINS & WILL ON THEIR ROADMAP TO REOPENING GUIDANCE DOCUMENT. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: STAFF ASSISTED 460 SCHOOL PERSONNEL AND PROVIDED GREEN AND HEALTHY SCHOOL TRAINING. THIS SUPPORT FOCUSED ON AIR QUALITY ISSUES, INCLUDING MOLD, CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION PROJECTS, AND GREEN CLEANING. THE 1000 HOURS A YEAR INITIATIVE, IN COLLABORATION WITH THE GREEN BUILDING ALLIANCE, IS A PROGRAM TO SUPPORT SCHOOLS AND EARLY LEARNING CENTERS THAT WISH TO TEST AND REMEDIATE FOR LEAD AND RADON, TWO KNOW, YET PREVENTABLE, ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS IN LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS. STAFF ASSISTED WITH THE ANALYSIS OF TESTING RESULTS, AS WELL AS DEVELOPMENT OF REMEDIATION PLANS FOR EIGHT SCHOOL DISTRICTS IN WESTERN PA DURING FISCAL YEAR 21.TRAINING: HEALTHY SCHOOLS PA OFFERS TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES FOR SCHOOL COMMUNITY MEMBERS. IN THE FALL OF 2020, STAFF HOSTED THE ANNUAL HEALTHY SCHOOLS SUMMIT. THIS EVENT BROUGHT TOGETHER SCHOOL PROFESSIONALS, FACILITIES DIRECTORS, EDUCATIONS, AND ADMINISTRATORS TO LEARN ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH IN SCHOOLS AND COLLABORATE ON FINDING STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS TO ADVANCE SUSTAINABILITY AND HEALTH INITIATIVES IN SCHOOLS. DUE TO ITS VIRTUAL NATURE, THE SUMMIT ENGAGED PARTICIPANTS FROM TWELVE STATES AND WASHINGTON, D.C. THE KEYNOTE SPEAKER WAS TRACY ENGER WITH THE U.S. EPA AND TOPICS COVERED PUBLIC HEALTH DECISION MAKING IN SCHOOLS, CLEARING THE AIR: IAQ IN SCHOOLS AND THE HEALTHY SCHOOLS VIRTUAL AWARDS CEREMONY. WORKSHOPS WERE OFFERED FOR EDUCATORS, SCHOOL NURSES, AND YOUTH ACTIVISTS. ACT 48 CREDITS WERE GIVEN TO TEACHERS AND CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS TO NURSES.RECOGNITION: SCHOOLS ARE HONORED FOR THEIR YEAR-LONG PARTICIPATION IN THE ORGANIZATION'S HEALTHY SCHOOLS RECOGNITION PROGRAM, CELEBRATING THE SCHOOL'S PROGRESS IN CREATING HEALTHIER AND GREENER LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS. THE PROGRAM HAS FOUR RECOGNITION CATEGORIES AND PROVIDES A CHECKLIST OF STRATEGIES SCHOOLS CAN EMPLOY AS PART OF THEIR HEALTH AND WELLNESS OR SUSTAINABILITY PLANS, AS WELL AS CURRICULA. A CHECKLIST GUIDES SCHOOLS THROUGH THE PROCESS. HEALTHY SCHOOLS PA'S ASSISTANCE IS PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE WITH OFTEN LITTLE TO NO-COST SOLUTIONS FOR MANY ITEMS ON THE CHECKLIST. THE RECOGNITION OF THESE SCHOOLS AND THEIR WORK SERVES AS A MODEL FOR OTHER SCHOOLS IN THE REGION. IN THE FALL OF 2020, STAFF RECOGNIZED FOUR SCHOOLS/DISTRICTS FOR PARTICIPATING IN THE HEALTHY SCHOOL RECOGNITION PROGRAM.

HEALTHY EARLY LEARNING CENTERS:THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS' COUNCIL ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH HAS STATED THAT "THOSE WHO CARE FOR CHILDREN (CHILDCARE STAFF, PARENTS OR GUARDIANS, PHYSICIANS, SCHOOLS) SHOULD MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO MINIMIZE THE NEGATIVE HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENTAL EFFECTS OF TOXIN EXPOSURE. DURING INFANCY, CHILDREN OFTEN EXPLORE THEIR ENVIRONMENT ON THE FLOOR, EXPOSING THEMSELVES TO POTENTIALLY HARMFUL POLLUTANTS BROUGHT INDOORS FROM OUTSIDE, CLEANING PRODUCTS USED ON FLOOR SURFACES, AND PESTICIDES USED ON OUTDOOR GROUNDS. THROUGH STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT, INFANTS AND TODDLERS FREQUENTLY PLACE OBJECTS IN THEIR MOUTHS FURTHER INCREASING EXPOSURES. THEY HAVE HIGHER RESPIRATORY AND METABOLIC RATES, AS WELL AS AN IMMATURE BLOOD/BRAIN BARRIER AND IMMUNE SYSTEM. CAREGIVERS MUST TAKE PRECAUTION, BECOME INFORMED ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS, AND MAKE EFFORTS TO REDUCE OR ELIMINATE CERTAIN TOXINS IN THEIR ENVIRONMENTS." THROUGH WHE'S HEALTHY EARLY LEARNING PROGRAM STAFF PROVIDES TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOCUSED ON CREATING A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT FOR THE YOUNGEST POPULATION, INFANTS AND CHILDREN. THROUGH A COMBINATION OF MINI-GRANTS, EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE, WHE STAFF CERTIFY EARLY LEARNING CENTERS AS ECO-HEALTHY. THIS IS A PROGRAM CREATED BY THE CHILDREN'S ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH NETWORK'S ECO-HEALTHY CHILD CARE (EHHC) PROGRAM. THIS NATIONAL, AWARD-WINNING PROGRAM PARTNERS WITH CHILDCARE PROFESSIONALS TO ELIMINATE OR REDUCE ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH HAZARDS FOUND WITHIN OR AROUND CHILDCARE FACILITIES. WHE STAFF UTILIZES THE ECO HEALTHY CHILD CARE CHECKLIST TO WORK WITH CENTERS TO ADOPT HEALTHIER, GREENER PRACTICES IN THEIR FACILITIES. DURING FISCAL YEAR 21, STAFF CERTIFIED 33 CENTERS AS ECO-HEALTHY.WHE STAFF WORKS WITH CENTERS TO MINIMIZE AND MITIGATE ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS, WHICH BOTH CHILDREN AND EMPLOYEES MAY COME INTO CONTACT WITH DAILY. THROUGH THE HEALTHY EARLY LEARNING PROGRAM, CENTERS HAVE ACQUIRED GREEN CLEANING PRODUCTS, PURCHASED FILTERED WATER STATIONS, AND ADDRESSED INDOOR AIR QUALITY ISSUES. LASTLY, THIS PROGRAM PROVIDES FUNDS AND TECHNICAL EXPERTISE TO CENTERS FOR LEAD AND RADON TESTING, AS WELL AS REMEDIATION. EIGHT CENTERS WERE SUPPORTED THROUGH THE 1000 HOURS A YEAR PROGRAM AND RECEIVED LEAD AND RADON TESTING, AS WELL AS LEAD ABATEMENT AND RADON MITIGATION SYSTEMS WHEN NECESSARY, CREATING A HEALTHY LEARNING ENVIRONMENT. DURING THIS YEAR, STAFF ALSO WORKED WITH CENTERS CONCERNED WITH AIR QUALITY DURING THE PANDEMIC. WHE PURCHASED AND DISTRIBUTED ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY CLEANING PRODUCTS (ON THE EPA APPROVED "N" LIST) AS WELL AS AIR PURIFIERS TO OVER A DOZEN CENTERS, THE MAJORITY LOCATED IN ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE COMMUNITIES.