RE: outreach

[khanna johnston <johnston.khanna@epa.gov>]

Hello, my name is Khanna Johnston and I am with EPA's Office of Environmental Justice.  I am currently working on a temporary assignment in Washington DC, but I am from a Regional Office in Dallas.  I would like to reply to a question posed by Connie Nahhas.  Connie asked, "This may be a bit simplistic, but does the EPA have any sort of regional newsletters?"  

Connie, I can answer for Region 6 (Dallas, TX).  Our Regional programs do have newsletters.  For example, the Office of Environmental Justice publishes a quarterly newsletter that we send to EJ and grassroots organizations, State agencies, private citizens, and tribal members to name a few.  There are over 800 names on the EJ mailing list from Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas.  Several different programs also have newsletters. The Border Program, the Superfund program, Enforcement, Childrens Health (electronic newsletter only), etc.  So, yes, there are regional newsletters, and they are a source of information.  Each Regional office should have a Public Information Office, sometimes called Public Affairs or External Affairs.  A request by e-mail or phone should be enough to add you to mailing lists requesting information that you would be interested in receiving or put you in touch with someone who can assist you.  

I do agree with your comment re:  EPA should be collaborating with the health care community.  In the Region our efforts have centered primarily around Children's Health and Children's Clinics.  We are fortunate to have individuals from the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) housed within the Regional Office.  They are able to provide us with assistance and contacts to local health departments.  I'd like to tell you about something creative the Children's Health Program is involved with.  They obtained 6 old government computers that were to be thrown away and worked to have them housed in pediatric clinics.  Naturally, these computers are old, slow, and stripped of software before they can be donated.  (It is possible for Federal Agencies to donate old computers to schools and certain non-profit agencies.)  These computers have been loaded with children's games.  The games are designed to teach children about asthma, outdoor pollutants,hazardous substances, etc., while they wait to see the doctor.  Of course our hope is that parents will be interested onlookers.  But, there are innovative activities and partnerships out there.  Of course, there is no denying that there is much more to be done.

There are also local EPA hotlines, and public access lines for Regional Offices.  Some of these lines are toll free, and are available only to those living in an area serviced by their Region.  Please feel free to contact me at the e-mail above, if you need any assistance finding numbers for your Regional Office

Thank you for your suggestions.

khanna