Strategic Partnerships for Change in an Environmental Justice Community: The ENRRICH Study

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Community-Based Participatory Research
• Environmental Justice

Background:

• The San Bernardino Railyard (SBR) is a significant commerce hub in California, associated with high air pollution levels.
• This air pollution is recognized as an environmental justice (EJ) concern, particularly impacting a nearby elementary school.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess potential adverse health impacts on children attending a school near the SBR.
• To develop interventions and mitigation strategies in collaboration with the community.

Main Methods:

• A partnership was formed between the school, university researchers, and a local community-based organization (CBO).
• A comparative study was conducted, contrasting the target school with a demographically matched school.

Main Results:

• Children attending the school near the SBR exhibited significantly poorer respiratory health compared to the matched school.
• Community concerns regarding air pollution and health impacts were validated by the study findings.

Conclusions:

• The study highlights the urgent need for interventions, education, and prevention strategies to address the health challenges faced by children in this EJ community.
• While systemic changes involving the railyard are challenging, collaborative efforts are underway to meet the needs of affected children.