Title: Detroit’s Angel Group Receives National Award For Children’s Environmental Health
Author:
Section/SPIG: Health Administration
Issue Date:
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| Recognition Award for 2005 from Children's Environmental Health |
The organization is the only Metro-Detroit agency to receive the honor.
DETROIT, MI (April 28, 2005) – The Office of Children's Protection at the U.S. Environmental Protections Agency (EPA) has awarded Detroit-based Angel Group with a 2005 Recognition Award for Children's Environmental Health. The EPA also honored a number of other programs around the country for their environmental health efforts. The Angel Group’s education and outreach program, Asthma Awareness and the Environmental Triggers, was designed to engage the child, parents and school officials in the management and reduction of exposure to environmental risk factors. It is based on a partnership between a leading Detroit health plan and several local targeted schools.
It is estimated that one out of every 15 children in a classroom in the United States has asthma. In 1995, the U.S. Government Accounting Office reported that more than half of the nation’s schools had problems that affected indoor air quality. The most significant environmental asthma triggers include tobacco smoke, cockroach allergen, mold and fungi. EPA encourages communities, citizens, and organizations to become leaders in protecting our children from environmental health hazards.
“We are grateful that the EPA has recognized the Angel Group’s leadership position with this distinguished award.” said Audrey Smith, executive director of the Angel Group. “ We believe that prevention is key to protecting our children from environmental hazards. The best part of our education and outreach program was to hear kindergartners and special education students talk about keeping themselves healthy. It was especially useful for teachers of students with asthma. “
The education and outreach program was implemented in six schools. Approximately 3,413 children received the education and took home the Environmental Survey, and 635 (18.5 percent) children returned the survey for analyses. Of the children that returned the survey, 144 (23 percent) had asthma or asthma- related symptoms, and 210 (33 percent) had someone in their home that smoked and for whom the EPA Smoke Free Home Pledge packet was mailed to parents.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency located Washington, D.C., leads the nation's environmental science, research, education and assessment efforts.
The Angel Group based in Detroit is a consultative and direct service organization that partners with health plans and organizations to improve the health and well being of young children and their families, through a variety of programs. The Angel Group has particular expertise in coordinating the care needs for children with chronic illness and special needs, such as asthma.
Additional information on the Angel Group can be found at <www.theangelgroup.org>.