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Whitman Funds Innovative Children’s Health Learning Program

Release Date: 9/27/2001
Contact Information: Bonnie Smith (215) 814-5543

Contact: Bonnie Smith (215) 814-5543
PHILADELPHIA – U. S. EPA Administrator Christie Whitman today presented a $65,000 EPA check and joined Mayor John F. Street in supporting an innovative after-school program that will help Philadelphia children identify and avoid health risks in their environment.

At a ceremony leading toward’s next Monday’s kickoff of Children’s Health Month, Administrator Whitman said: “As you all know, children are often the greatest stewards of our environment. With just a small amount of information and inspiration, they become powerful advocates for action. That is why I am so proud that EPA has been able to play a role in the development of this important organization.

"Many years ago, it was children who constantly reminded adults about recycling – a phenomenon that repeated itself across the country until recycling became a habit in America," Whitman continued. “The same will be true for a host of issues facing the health of children today, and RADICAL youth can play a large role in ensuring that children have the education they need to start spreading the word.”

Joining Whitman and Mayor Street were representatives of the Regional Nursing Centers Consortium and the Temple University Health Connection. Those groups designed the program, called “Real Actions Directed to Improving Children’s Health and Lifestyle (RADICAL).”

EPA’s funding will help children teach other children about lead poisoning and asthma, and how to reduce their exposure to environmental health risks.

The RADICAL program will recruit 10- to 16-year-olds from health centers and community groups that provide after-school programs. Health care professionals and college students will mentor the youngsters, then send them out to share what they have learned with
their families, friends and classmates.

The Regional Nursing Center Consortium is a one-of-a kind association led by nurses. The health center is part of Temple University’s School of Nursing.

The RADICAL program is similar to EPA’s summer educational development program, in that students learn about environmental issues, then teach others in their community.