Xavier Becerra Secretary at U.S. Department of Health and Human Services | Twitter Website
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has recognized 12 winners in the initial phase of the Environmental Justice Community Innovator Challenge, a competition aimed at promoting community-level solutions to address health inequities and environmental justice. The challenge, part of a national effort to uplift community voices with innovative solutions, seeks to tackle the adverse health impacts of environmental conditions within disproportionately impacted communities.
Racial and ethnic minority, disadvantaged, vulnerable, low-income, marginalized, and Indigenous populations have long been disproportionately affected by environmental and climate change-related hazards, facing greater exposure to unhealthy land uses, poor air and water quality, dilapidated housing, lead exposure, and other environmental threats. This cumulative impact of environmental risks and social inequities hinders optimal health for these populations.
Executive Orders like "Revitalizing Our Nation’s Commitment to Environmental Justice for All" and others direct HHS to integrate environmental justice into its mission by developing programs, policies, and activities to address the adverse environmental and climate-related impacts on disadvantaged communities.
The winners of Phase 1 of the challenge have put forth innovative concepts and ideas to enhance community-driven efforts to mitigate environmental health disparities and advance environmental health equity within specific populations. Rear Admiral Felicia Collins emphasized the importance of supporting community-led approaches in addressing environmental and climate change hazards in disadvantaged communities.
Dr. Sharunda Buchanan, Interim Director of the HHS Office of Environmental Justice, highlighted the significance of hearing from those with lived experiences and firsthand knowledge of local factors driving health disparities. Admiral Rachel Levine, HHS Assistant Secretary for Health, expressed eagerness to learn from the community and Tribal voices participating in the challenge.
The second and final phase of the challenge is currently open for submissions until June 30, 2024, focusing on small-scale testing or implementation of community-led efforts to mitigate health disparities and advance health equity.
