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D.C. Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit Earns Top Honors for Protecting Children’s Health

Release Date: 4/14/2005
Contact Information: Bonnie Smith, 215-814-5543

Bonnie Smith, 215-814-5543

PHILADELPHIA – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has selected the Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit Program, based in Washington, D.C., as one of 15 organizations nationwide to receive EPA’s first-ever Children’s Environmental Health Excellence award. The award recognizes extraordinary effort in protecting children from environmental health risks.

“The Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit Program is among the initiatives leading the way in protecting youth from environmental hazards,” said Donald S. Welsh, EPA’s mid-Atlantic regional administrator. “This project displays the commitment and dedication needed to protect the health of our children.”

The D.C. Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit Program functions under the umbrella of the Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics, a non-profit network of clinics and individuals dedicated to the promotion of occupational and environmental health education, prevention and consultation.

The D.C. based Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit Program specifically addresses childhood environmental concerns. They have provided technical assistance to EPA on various issues nation-wide including mercury and PCBs. More than 100,000 community members have been reached through print and electronic media with scientifically based health information to assist families with environmental health concerns. PEHSU programs in Tyler, Texas; Atlanta, Ga.; and Denver, Colo. are being honored along with the DC organization.

Designed to increase awareness in protecting children from environmental health risks, the Children’s Environmental Health Excellence awards, recognize individuals and groups who have demonstrated leadership and have a track record in children’s environmental health. The recipients will be formally honored in Washington, D.C. on April 21.