Place based environmental health is critical to keeping communities in Pennsylvania free of exposures to hazards such as lead, radon, pesticides, PFAS, and more. Awareness of these hazards is essential, especially for the Commonwealth’s most vulnerable citizens
Philadelphia is a diverse city. Approximately 49% of its residents identify as people of color, 42% of the population speaks Spanish, and 45% of the population has an average household income of less than $50,000 (24% below $25,000). There is a direct correlation between negative health outcomes and race, income level, and other social determinants of health correlated with these areas.
WHE intends to bring the programs and services it offers in Southwestern Pennsylvania protecting citizens from exposure to lead in their environment, reducing asthma triggers, and mitigating the health impacts of a hotter and wetter Pennsylvania, to other parts of the Commonwealth.