Presented by: Dr. Leslie Rubin, Dr. Dana Barr, Dr. Julie Herbstman, Dr. Cappy Collins, and Dr. Peggy Gallagher
Atlanta Science Tavern: Dec 19, 2020. 700pm
Throughout 2020 we shared information about one of our partner organizations: Break the Cycle of Health Disparities, Inc., a non-profit that has a Break the Cycle of Children’s Environmental Health Disparities Program. This program supports an interdisciplinary set of student-driven research projects that explore the social, economic and environmental factors that adversely affect children’s health and well-being, creatively develop strategies to reverse this situation, and promote improved health and well-being for this group of children. In the process, BCHD cultivates the development of future leaders.
For those that live in poverty, an unhealthy environment can contribute to being trapped in a cycle of poverty. For example: bad air quality is correlated with increased chronic illnesses; being out sick leads to poor performance in work or school; poor performance leads to an inability to get ahead; this leads to living in unhealthy environments; and the cycle continues.
The effects of this vicious cycle have been highlighted by the COVID-19 epidemic. Chronic health conditions, which are more prevalent in those residing in environmentally-poor living conditions, have caused a disproportionate number of people of color to die from Covid-19 (on top of unequal access to healthcare and testing).
While there are so many things that need fixing right now, the journey of a 1000 miles begins with one step, and there are several positive things we can all do, right now, to create change and build good habits that are healthy for us, our communities, AND the earth.
This Atlanta Science Tavern will feature a panel discussion about successful programs and how these can be translated to other locations throughout Georgia.
