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 ABOUT 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 REDUCING EXPOSURE TO ENVIRONMENTAL HARMS. SEE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON SCHEDULE O.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 AND HEALTH CARE AGENCIES WITH TOOLS, INFORMATION AND RESOURCES THAT FOCUS ON CREATING A GREEN AND HEALTHY HOME ENVIRONMENT. THE WORKSHOPS 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 AND AIR FILTERS, AND CONNECTING FAMILIES TO LEGAL AID AND OTHER SOCIAL SERVICES. WHE'S HEALTHY HOMES PROGRAM EDUCATED OVER 1,500 INDIVIDUALS DURING THIS FISCAL YEAR, INCLUDING ATTENDING OVER 60 COMMUNITY PROGRAMS. NEIGHBORHOOD-BASED WORK WAS DELIVERED IN ALLEGHENY COUNTY'S ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE COMMUNITIES BY WHE'S COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS. THIS INCLUDED CONDUCTING 40 HEALTHY HOME ASSESSMENTS. STAFF ALSO DISTRIBUTED OVER 200 HEALTHY HOME PACKETS THAT INCLUDED RADON TESTS AND WEATHERIZATION KITS. 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. LASTLY, DURING THE LAST YEAR, WHE STAFF WAS A COLLABORATOR WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH WATER COLLABORATORY AND THE PITTSBURGH STUDY, AS WELL AS THE PITTSBURGH WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY'S COMMUNITY LEAD RESPONSE ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

COALITION BUILDING INITIATIVES AND ADVOCACY:GET THE LEAD (PB) OUT, PITTSBURGH CAMPAIGN AND LEAD SAFE ALLEGHENY COALITION: DURING EARLY 2018, WHE STAFF CONVENED A GROUP OF NONPROFITS AND ACADEMIC RESEARCHERS INTERESTED IN FOCUSING ON LEAD EXPOSURE, INCLUDING STRATEGIES THAT ADDRESS PRIMARY PREVENTION AND EARLY INTERVENTION. THIS LED TO THE CREATION OF A COUNTYWIDE COALITION, INCLUDING PARTICIPATION FROM GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AND MEDICARE PROVIDERS, THAT HAVE A COMMON GOAL OF DEVELOPING STRATEGIES AND RESOURCES TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN WITH ELEVATED BLOOD LEAD LEVELS. IN FISCAL YEAR 22, THE COALITION WORKED WITHIN ALLEGHENY COUNTY TO PROVIDE LEADERSHIP AND ADVOCACY THAT ADVANCES STRATEGIC INITIATIVES AND FOSTERS COLLABORATION AMONG THE COMMUNITY BY FOCUSING ON PRIMARY PREVENTION AND ULTIMATELY CREATING A LEAD SAFE ENVIRONMENT. THE COALITION ADVOCATES TO ENSURE WE MAINTAIN PUBLIC VIGILANCE UNTIL WE HAVE ACHIEVED OUR OVERALL GOAL OF PROTECTING CHILDREN BY ELIMINATING HARMFUL EXPOSURE TO LEAD IN ALL SOURCES. WHE STAFF PRESENTED ON THE COALITION'S WORK AT NATIONAL AND REGIONAL CONFERENCES. DURING THIS FISCAL YEAR, THE GET THE LEAD OUT, PITTSBURGH CAMPAIGN ENGAGED CITY OF PITTSBURGH COUNCIL MEMBERS AND ADMINISTRATION TO EDUCATE THEM REGARDING THE CRITICAL NEED FOR PRIMARY PREVENTION STRATEGIES THAT ARE POLICY-FOCUSED TO REDUCE LEAD EXPOSURE. THIS LED TO PASSAGE OF THE PITTSBURGH LEAD SAFETY LAW IN NOVEMBER 2021. THE ORDINANCE WILL ENSURE LEAD-SAFE RENTAL HOMES AND CHILD-OCCUPIED SPACES. IN ADDITION, PITTSBURGH CITY COUNCIL DEDICATED $2 MILLION OF THEIR ARPA BUDGET TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PITTSBURGH LEAD SAFETY LAW, DUE IN LARGE PART TO THE ADVOCACY OF THE CAMPAIGN. THE CAMPAIGN SUPPORTED CITY PERSONNEL IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PITTSBURGH LEAD SAFETY LAW. THIS INCLUDED CREATING A MECHANISM FOR REGISTERING AND SUPPORTING THE TRAINING OVER 250 LICENSED CONTRACTORS IN THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH ON THE EPA'S RENOVATION, REPAIR AND PAINING (RRP) TRAINING, DEVELOPING A FACT SHEET AND WORKING WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF PERMITS, LICENSES AND INSPECTIONS ON OUTREACH AND EDUCATION OF THE CHILDCARE PROVIDERS WHO WOULD NOW BE RECEIVING A LEAD INSPECTION. A LARGE EMPHASIS OF THE CAMPAIGN WAS CONSISTENT ONLINE COMMUNICATION, WHICH LED TO OVER 78,700,000 IMPRESSIONS. THE LEAD SAFE ALLEGHENY COALITION HOSTED A LIFE WITHOUT LEAD SUMMIT THAT EDUCATED 150+ INDIVIDUALS ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF LEAD PREVENTION AND CHILDHOOD LEAD SCREENING. WHE STAFF PROVIDED LEAD EDUCATION VIA COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS AND PARTICIPATED IN OUTREACH EVENTS - IN PERSON AND VIRTUALLY - TO RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT LEAD PREVENTION AND CONNECTED FAMILIES TO LOCAL RESOURCES. WORKSHOPS WERE DELIVERED TO OVER A DOZEN AGENCIES AND NONPROFITS INCLUDING FAMILY SERVICE PROVIDERS, LOCAL COMMUNITY GROUPS, AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING LANDLORDS. WHE PROVIDED TRAINING FOR 65 GENERAL CONTRACTORS LICENSED BY THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH TO BE EPA LEAD-SAFE RRP CERTIFIED (RENOVATION, REPAIR AND PAINTING RULE). IN ADDITION, 48 FREE LEAD INSPECTION RISK ASSESSMENT (LIRA) REPORTS WERE OFFERED TO FAMILIES IN ALLEGHENY COUNTY. EACH REPORT CONTAINED DETAILED RECOMMENDED ACTION STEPS THE HOUSEHOLD CAN TAKE TO REDUCE LEAD EXPOSURE. WHE IS THE CONVENOR OF THE RADON IN PA SCHOOLS WORKGROUP, A PARTNERSHIP AMONG SCHOOL PERSONNEL, HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS, RADON PROFESSIONALS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS AFFECTED BY CANCER. THIS WORKGROUP CONTINUES TO MEET TO RAISE THE PUBLIC'S AWARENESS OF RADON EXPOSURE IN THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT AND CONDUCT EDUCATIONAL MEETINGS WITH GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES AND ELECTED OFFICIALS. WHE CONTINUES TO BE THE "GO-TO" SOURCE FOR INFORMATION FOR RELIABLE SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION ON ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS THAT IMPACT PUBLIC HEALTH. ITS STAFF MEMBERS WERE FEATURED IN OVER TWO DOZEN LOCAL MEDIA SOURCES. THE ORGANIZATION FREQUENTLY RECEIVES PROGRAMMING REQUESTS AND GENERAL INQUIRIES FROM THE PUBLIC.

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.SEE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON SCHEDULE O.STATE OF THE SCHOOLS REPORT: IN AUGUST 2021, WHE RELEASED THE STATE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH IN PENNSYLVANIA SCHOOLS REPORT, WHICH RECEIVED MEDIA ATTENTION ACROSS THE STATE. THIS BIENNIAL REPORT IS THE FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND, TAKING A DEEP DIVE INTO THE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY OF SCHOOL FACILITIES ACROSS PENNSYLVANIA. TO GAIN A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH HAZARDS POTENTIALLY FACING MORE THAN 1.7 MILLION CHILDREN ENROLLED IN 500 PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS ACROSS PENNSYLVANIA, WHE'S HEALTHY SCHOOLS PA PROGRAM REQUESTED, AND ANALYZED, DATA AND INFORMATION FROM 156 PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS ACROSS THE STATE. THE MAIN GOAL OF THIS REPORT WAS TO COLLECT INFORMATION IN A CONSISTENT MANNER TO ASSESS THE TYPES OF ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS AND HEALTH RISKS THAT EXIST IN PUBLIC SCHOOL FACILITIES, EXAMINE THE LEVELS AT WHICH THESE SCHOOLS ARE TAKING ACTION THROUGH PRACTICE OR POLICY, AND IDENTIFYING OPPORTUNITIES TO PRIORITIZE FUNDING AND PUBLIC HEALTH FOCUSED RESPONSES. A PATTERN IDENTIFIED THROUGHOUT THIS REPORT IS THAT SCHOOLS WHO SERVE A LARGER PERCENTAGE OF STUDENTS FROM LOWER-INCOME OR ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED FAMILIES, AND A LARGER PERCENTAGE OF SPECIAL EDUCATION STUDENTS, ARE OPTING OUT OF TAKING ACTION ON PREVENTING EXPOSURE TO ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS IN THEIR SCHOOLS. THESE SCHOOLS DO NOT NECESSARILY SPEND LESS PER STUDENT THAN THEIR COUNTERPARTS WHO DO TEST; THEY DO HOWEVER HAVE COMPETING PRIORITIES WHEN IT COMES TO HOW TO SPEND THE LIMITED FUNDING THEY RECEIVE FROM LOCAL TAX BASES AND STATE AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENTS. THE SCIENCE IS CLEAR, WHEN WE INVEST IN SCHOOLS WE INVEST IN A HEALTHY, SAFER, CLEANER FUTURE WHERE ALL CAN HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO THRIVE AND SUCCEED AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE INCREASES. THE REPORT ALSO LAYS OUT A SERIES OF RECOMMENDATIONS AIMED AT MAKING SCHOOLS ACROSS THE COMMONWEALTH SAFER, INCLUDING: PROVIDING SCHOOLS ACCESS TO ADDITIONAL STATE AND FEDERAL FUNDS FOR CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION; IMPLEMENTING SAFE SITING LAWS TO KEEP SCHOOLS AWAY FROM POLLUTING FACILITIES; AND CREATING EVIDENCE-BASED POLICIES AIMED AT PROTECTING CHILDREN FROM ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS AT SCHOOL, AMONG OTHERS.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. THE LESSONS FOCUS ON AIR QUALITY (INDOOR AND AMBIENT), WATER QUALITY, FOOD AND THE ENVIRONMENT, AND CHEMISTRY IN CONSUMER PRODUCTS. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: THE 1000 HOURS A YEAR INITIATIVE SUPPORTS SCHOOLS AND EARLY LEARNING CENTERS THAT WISH TO TEST AND REMEDIATE FOR LEAD (PB) AND RADON, TWO KNOWN, YET PREVENTABLE, ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS IN LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS. STAFF ENGAGED TESTING CONSULTANTS AND ASSISTED WITH THE ANALYSIS OF TESTING RESULTS, AS WELL AS DEVELOPMENT OF REMEDIATION PLANS WHEN NECESSARY FOR THREE SCHOOL DISTRICTS IN WESTERN PA DURING FISCAL YEAR 22.TRAINING AND RECOGNITION: HEALTHY SCHOOLS PA OFFERS TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES FOR SCHOOL COMMUNITY MEMBERS. DUE TO THE PANDEMIC, THE ANNUAL HEALTHY SCHOOLS SUMMIT AND HEALTHY SCHOOLS RECOGNITION PROGRAM WERE POSTPONED TO DECEMBER 2022 AND MAY 2023, RESPECTIVELY.

HEALTHY EARLY LEARNING: 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. SEE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON SCHEDULE O.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 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 22, STAFF CERTIFIED 28 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. SIXTEEN 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. THIS ENSURES HUNDREDS OF STUDENTS AND STAFF ARE PROTECTED FROM THESE HAZARDS.