outreach

[Connie Nahhas <sosehas@aol.com>]

Since I am one of the new kids on the block, forgive me if I suggest something already in place.

This may be a bit simplistic, but does the EPA have any sort of regional newsletters?  I utilize several Email newsletters to keep informed about issues that concern me, and I wondered if something of that nature was available.

I also wondered, since environmental concerns translate into health concerns, if the healthcare community could be more closely involved with EPA efforts.  Notices could be placed in area hospitals and clinics, incorporated into healthcare associate newsletters, etc. Schools are also certainly community entities that could be pulled in to "partner" with the EPA-concerned parents/teachers can be great assets.

I would also like to see the EPA be more visible locally, though I am not sure just how thinly spread agency personnel are within the regions.  The idea of toll-free hotlines for the public is a good idea, but it would be even better to have a local EPA representative familiar with and visible in the communities served. 

Connie