Women for a Healthy Environment

Pecola Abele, WHE's Director of Healthy Learning recently attended the Green Schools Conference 2025 in Orlando, Florida! ??? She connected with sustainability experts from across the country and brought back valuable insights to southwestern PA. We're excited to put these ideas into action and continue creating greener spaces for our children to live, learn, and play. Learn about our Healthy Schools programs. https://lnkd.in/erDP3RbG #HealthySchools #GreenSchools

Kicking off our 15th-anniversary celebrations! On May 1, meet Andrea Vidaurre—Goldman Environmental Prize winner who stood up to a powerful transportation lobby to phase out diesel trucks by 2035 in California’s most polluted neighborhoods. Get inspired by her youth-led coalition that changed the game for environmental justice! Goldman Environmental Prize The People's Collective for Environmental Justice https://lnkd.in/e2hZ2fVT

?? Big things are happening at WHE! ?? From our 15th Anniversary Speaker Series to a powerful youth-led climate panel, this month’s newsletter is packed with inspiration and action. Plus, meet Mia Meridith, whose journey from program participant to advocate is changing lives. ?? Don’t miss out—read the latest updates and get involved! Goldman Environmental Prize Andrea Vidaurre https://conta.cc/4ikvpsP

We are proud to announce that our Executive Director, Michelle Naccarati-Chapkis, has been elected Chair of the Allegheny County Board of Health’s new Housing and Community Environment Advisory Committee. This committee, established after extensive advocacy, aims to enhance healthy housing initiatives across the county. Michelle's leadership and dedication to environmental health will be instrumental in guiding the committee's mission. Allegheny County

Did you know? Pittsburgh’s youth are leading climate advocacy efforts right here in our community. Hear their insights at our virtual panel discussion, where they’ll reflect on Youth v. Gov and discuss ways to take action locally. RSVP now! https://lnkd.in/e-XrW6kZ #ClimateRights #youthvgovfilm

?? Calling all Allegheny County high school artists! Lead poisoning affects nearly every system in the body, especially young brains and nervous systems. There is NO safe level of lead exposure, yet children across Allegheny County continue to test positive. We're looking for original designs to spread the word about the dangers of lead in our community. Submit your artwork for a chance to win! ?? Prizes: 1st place – $500 + your design used in the community 2nd place – $250 3rd place – $100 Submissions due by March 31, 2025. Learn more and submit your design at https://lnkd.in/e5uqNeNA. #GetTheLeadOutPGH U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development National Center for Healthy Housing (NCHH)

?? Today, our Executive Director, Michelle Naccarati-Chapkis, testified before the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Health Committee on the critical role community health workers play in protecting families. ?? Healthy housing is a basic human right. Families face serious environmental hazards—mold, lead, poor air quality, and more—that impact their health. Community health workers provide essential education and resources to help families create safer homes. We’re proud to advocate for policies that prioritize health where people live, learn, and play. ?? #HealthyHousing #EnvironmentalHealth #PolicyMatters #CommunityHealth From her testimony: ?? 72% of families served reported asthma in their home—many of them children. ?? Elevated blood lead levels remain a serious concern. ?? Every client reported at least one environmental hazard, from air and water quality issues to mold, chemicals, and pests.

Black History Month Recap ? This February, we honored the past, celebrated the present, and looked toward the future. We kicked off the month with a powerful reminder: Black history is American history—featuring an iconic photo of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the Civil Rights Act signing. Throughout the month, we spotlighted local community activists making a difference today, alongside national leaders who have shaped the fight for environmental and public health justice. Their work continues to inspire action and change. ??? #BlackHistoryMonth #EnvironmentalJustice #CommunityLeaders

Our executive director, Michelle Naccarati-Chapkis, was interviewed by WPXI-TV investigative reporter Jennifer Tomazic regarding radon and the importance of getting your home and schools tested. Radioactive radon is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Check out this important story from WPXI-TV Pittsburgh and see how an inexpensive radon test can save lives. https://lnkd.in/e5uU4XZc #radontesting CITIZENS FOR RADIOACTIVE RADON REDUCTION INC Jacquelyn Nixon

?? Mark your calendars for March 27! ?? We’re hosting an incredible youth panel discussion inspired by the Youth v. Gov documentary — a story of young leaders who are boldly standing up for their right to a safe and healthy climate. ?? This powerful film showcases the next generation of climate activists who are taking on the government to secure their future. Now, you can hear directly from youth advocates who are leading the fight for climate justice. Get ready for a thought-provoking conversation about their efforts, challenges, and what’s at stake for their generation. ?? Save the date: March 27, 2025 ?? Register soon to secure your spot: https://lnkd.in/e-XrW6kZ To get as much from the discussion as possible, please watch YOUTH v. GOV in advance. The documentary is now showing on Netflix. If you aren't a Netflix subscriber, registrants will receive a link to the documentary to view online, two weeks prior to the panel discussion. #YouthvGov #ClimateJustice #YouthPower #EnvironmentalJustice #OurChildrensTrust #ClimateAction