Place-based environmental health is critical to keeping communities in Pennsylvania free of exposure 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.
As of 2021, WHE has begun providing its programs and services offered in Southwestern Pennsylvania – where our programs protect citizens from exposure to lead in their environment, reduce asthma triggers, and mitigate the health impacts of a hotter and wetter Pennsylvania – to the eastern Pennsylvania region through our office in Philadelphia.
Support and Resources for Eastern Pennsylvanians
Women for a Healthy Environment expanded into the Eastern Pennsylvania region with hopes to reach a broader audience with our programs and resources, while also providing geographically-curated recommendations and best practices to individuals, schools and early learning centers. Visit the Support and Resources page below for more information on eco-healthy best practices for those living in eastern Pennsylvania.
WHE has worked with more than 60 childcare centers through the Public Health Maintenance Corporation, to provide webinars and technical support on environmental exposures and compliance, such as lead dust and water testing, radon testing, integrated pest management, and mold remediation.
Green Cleaning Starter kits were distributed to over 50 of the centers along with fact sheets and user information.
Eastern PA Staff
Danyell Samassa, assoc. director, healthy early learning, southeast PA
Danyell brings 28 years of expertise in case management, advocacy, and clinical services, with a focus on program development, crisis intervention, and therapeutic support in social services and public health. She holds a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) from the University of Southern California, a Master of Science in Health Policy (MSHP) from the University of the Sciences, and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ) from Saint Joseph’s University. Recognized for her adaptability and leadership, Danyell is dedicated to advancing education, policy, and public health initiatives.
Healthy Childcare Champions Certification
WHE collaborates with a statewide network of organizations to provide Healthy Childcare Champion certifications. Our certification highlights the hard work being done at early learning centers to become healthier, more environmentally sustainable, and more prepared for climate change impacts. Our certification helps centers showcase their shared commitment to keeping children healthy and safe from environmental toxins, establishes a network of support for Centers that similarly prioritize environmental health, and encourages others to become Champions themselves.
Want to become a Childcare Champion? WHE-certified Healthy Childcare Champions must:
- Receive six hours of technical assistance through WHE, including:
- Two-hour initial walk-through and consultation
- 1 hour of other type of assistance
- (3 hour) CEHN Eco-Healthy training
- Be able to produce proof of program promotion, including advertising the program on a:
- Email Signature
- Newsletter
- Website shout-out
- Social media post
