WOMEN FOR A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT

Programs

1. 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 toxics 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 disinvested 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…

   $1,596,996 spent$92,982 earned by the program
   63% of program spending

2. Healthy schools: whe's healthy schools program 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.technical assistance: the 1000 hours a year program 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 that impact public health. Four school districts received ongoing indoor air quality monitoring and follow-up recommendations. Fourteen school buildings were given 33 filtered water fountain/bottle filler upgrades (six districts and four standalone schools). Six water fountain upgrades were given to after school programs. In addition,…

   $373,971 spent
   15% of program spending

3. 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. 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 precautions, 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,…

   $320,088 spentof which $191,504 as grants
   13% of program spending

4. Coalition 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 healthcare providers to nonprofits, that have a common goal of developing strategies and resources to reduce the number of children with elevated blood lead levels. In fy 25, whe also was the recipient of a cdc childhood lead poisoning prevention grant that also supports this work. The goal of that grant is to increase the number of children screened for lead and the number of home investigations that occur when a child is diagnosed with an elevated blood lead level. This past fiscal year, 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…

   $257,628 spent$3,570 earned by the program
   10% of program spending

The 4 programs described on its FY2024 Form 990, listed largest first by expense. Program spending in total: $2,548,683.