At Women for a Healthy Environment (WHE), our team is committed to helping families create healthier living spaces. One of the newest members of our team, Mia Meridith, brings a wealth of experience in community health and self-care education. We sat down with Mia to learn more about her journey and the vital work she’s doing as a Community Health Worker.
A Personal Connection to WHE’s Mission
Mia’s introduction to WHE was unique—before joining the team, she was a participant in the Healthy Homes Asthma Program. Through the program, she saw firsthand how home modifications could make a difference in a child’s well-being. Her son, who suffered from severe morning sneezing and frequent asthma attacks, experienced significant improvements after WHE facilitated home repairs, including carpet removal and enhanced ventilation.
“I would wake up every morning to my son sneezing repeatedly,” Mia recalls. “After they removed the carpet and installed a bathroom ventilation system, his symptoms improved drastically. He no longer wakes up sneezing, and his asthma attacks have become much less frequent.”
Having seen the impact of WHE’s work in her own home, Mia was inspired to join the team and help others create safer, healthier environments.
Bringing a Holistic Approach to Healthy Homes
As a Community Health Worker, Mia reaches out to families who have expressed interest in a Healthy Homes Assessment. She schedules visits, conducts walk-throughs to identify environmental hazards like mold and poor ventilation, and provides families with essential resources. Her work goes beyond identifying issues—she also helps families implement solutions, distributing items such as dehumidifiers, air purifiers, and water filter pitchers.
A key part of Mia’s role is education, particularly around the benefits of non-toxic cleaning products. “Many people associate the smell of bleach with cleanliness,” Mia explains.
“But products like Clorox can introduce harmful chemicals into the air, especially for children with respiratory issues. I love teaching families about green cleaning alternatives that are just as effective but much safer.”
One tool she shares with families is a card listing harmful chemicals to avoid in cleaning and personal care products. “I encourage people to keep it in their wallet so they can make healthier choices when they shop.”
The Need for More Healthy Homes Assessments
Mia believes there’s a strong need to expand the reach of WHE’s Healthy Homes program. “Every home I visit, families are surprised by what they learn,” she says. “They don’t realize how small changes—like switching to non-toxic cleaning supplies or improving air circulation—can have a big impact on their health.”
If you or someone you know is interested in a Healthy Homes Assessment, now is the time to sign up. There are no strict eligibility requirements—if you have concerns about your indoor environment, WHE is here to help.
Mia’s journey from program participant to advocate underscores the power of WHE’s mission. Through collaboration we can shape environments where families thrive.
