Authors

Luz Claudio

Summary

This article describes a community outreach and education program (COEP) between Columbia University and West Harlem Environmental Action (WeACT), whose overriding principle is that research must involve the community from inception to completion and that effective disease prevention can only occur when research results are effectively communitcated to communities who are at risk.

Type of Data/Science

Pilot study that examined how air pollution from buses and trucks in West harlem may be adversely affecting the respiratory health orf adolescents who attend school in the community.

Type of Community Action

Advocacy efforts to combat the proliferation of diesel traffic in West Harlem.

Lessons Learned

The investment from the beginning in developing staff capacity and resources at WeACT and having WeACT staff assume the lead on the outreach and education intiatives has lead to success on this issue.  Community participation and follow up in research studies conducted after the partnership is incredibly high.  The COEP built long-term capacity in WeACT and the West Harlem community to continue advocating for their health.

Involving community keeps knowledge and capacity within the community.  The youth who were involved in the study learned valuable lessons about environmental health, environmental justice in their communities, and community leadership skills.

WeACT Website