School Health Advisory Board Presents Clean Air Awareness Month Celebration

The Environmental Health and Asthma Subcommittee of the Arlington Public Schools School Health Advisory Board will host a Clean Air Awareness Month Celebration at Arlington Central Library Mon, May 1. (1015 N. Quincy Street)

The first-time event that it aims to raise awareness among APS parents and staff about the connection between children’s health and the environment. The event will feature:

• speakers on children’s health and the environment;
• recognition of APS students who submitted creative Public Service Announcements promoting clean air habits;
• opportunities to learn and engage with local experts and agencies; and
• family-friendly activities

The event runs 4:15-5:45 p.m. and the full agenda is available at online.

Special guests include:

• APS Superintendent Dr. Patrick Murphy
• APS School Board Member Dr. Barbara Kanninen
• Arlington County Board Member Katie Cristol
• School Health Bureau Chief Dr. Sam Stebbins
• Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment’s Elenor Hodges
• Arlington Transportation Partners’ Elizabeth Denton

Event partners include Arlington Public Library, APS Superintendent’s Advisory Committee on Sustainability, Arlington Transportation Partners, Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment, the American Lung Association, and Moms Clean Air Force.

“Asthma rates in APS are on the rise, the American Lung Association gives Arlington an ‘F’ for air quality, and a 2016 survey conducted by Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment showed that vehicle idling around schools is a significant concern to APS parents,” said Arlington parent and local wellness blogger Jessica Claire Haney who co-chairs the Environmental Health and Asthma Subcommittee. “Cars routinely idle in school parking lots, and many drivers are unaware that children are disproportionately negatively affected by pollution. If we can reduce idling and promote other clean air habits, we can all breathe easier.”

The event is free and open to the public. The agenda and additional details can be found on the event website or on Facebook.