Author Archive for PSR-LA
Lawsuit Seeks Justice for 1.2 million Residents Living Near SoCal Freeways
More than a million people in the Los Angeles region are exposed to undisclosed, unhealthy levels of air pollution every day, according to a lawsuit filed today by Physicians for Social Responsibility-Los Angeles, the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), and Communities for a Better Environment.
Jan. 12 — Environmental Influences on Neurodevelopment
Please join us on January 12, 2012 at UCLA for an important forum exploring the environmental influences on neurodevelopment. This event is co-sponsored by The Autism Society, the Collaborative on Health and the Environment’s (CHE’s) Learning and Developmental Disabilities Initiative and the UCLA School of Public Health, and PSR-LA.
Dec. 16 — LA Toxics Community Forum
Please join us on Friday, Dec. 16th, 2011 at the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center in LA to find out how we can continue progress with rules being developed by the Dept. of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), and voice your concerns about toxics in your community! We’ll have a workshop from 1:00-2:30, and a Community Forum with DTSC from 3:00-4:30.
Dec. 3, 2011 — Speaker’s Training for a Sustainable, Secure & Just Healthcare System
For both new and experienced advocates for healthcare reform, whether speaking to large or small groups. This training is designed to help you acquire public-speaking skills, knowledge of the California Universal Health Care Act & the new federal Affordable Health Care Act, and the importance of staying on message and reframing the issue.
NBC-LA on Phthalates – PSR-LA Doctor and Local Mom Look Closer
PSR-LA Ambassador Dr. Robin E. Johnson was recently interviewed by NBC-LA about phthalates. There is a growing body of evidence that shows exposure to toxic chemicals in our homes, workplaces, and communities is having a negative impact on our health.
PSR-LA and Fenceline Advocates Demand Protection from Chemical Security Disasters
The National Environmental Justice Advisory Council (NEJAC) yesterday unanimously recommended that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) prevent chemical disasters by using unused authority in the Clean Air Act.
Gov. Brown Signs BPA Baby Bottle Ban to Protect Vulnerable Communities
Thanks to the hard work of advocates across the state, working hand-in-hand with legislators and community leaders, Calif. Governor Jerry Brown signed AB 1319, to protect infants and toddlers from BPA (bisphenol-A), an endocrine-disrupting chemical. This measure limits BPA in baby bottles and sippy cups made or sold after July 1, 2013.
Heathly, Liveable and Just Communities
As public health advocates, PSR-LA has partnered with other public health and equity advocates in California to ensure that California’s Sustainable Communities and Climate Protection Action includes a social justice, equity and health component.
California Needs Clean Cars for Cleaner Air
Nothing is more important than freeing ourselves from oil—for public health, economic, environmental, and national security reasons. California relies on petroleum fuels for 97% of our transportation fuel, which holds us hostage to volatile oil prices. In fact, spikes in oil prices have preceded the last four recessions.
Farmworker Community Health and Pesticides in the Golden State: Leadership or a Tarnished Record?
Half of US grown fruits, nuts, and vegetables come from California fields, which all depend on the hard work of approximately 700,000 farmworkers. The state’s approach to pesticide use has critical implications for workers and their families, as well as the rest of nation that often relies on the example of policies adopted in California.
PSR-LA Stands Up to the EPA Over Smog in Los Angeles Basin
PSR-LA is leading the way with a challenge to hold the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency accountable for meeting its own clean air standards according to the Clean Air Act. The EPA missed a May 2011 deadline to determine whether the ozone level in the region is hazardous to public health, which would help enact tougher limits on pollution from cars, trucks, ships and refineries.
LA Health and Climate: Advancing Healthy and Resilient Communities Through Adaptation and Changes in Planning
Climate change has the potential to cause widespread injuries and death related to natural disasters, displacement, heat-related illnesses, malnutrition, and air and water pollution. If we do not act now, we may face a great social and ecological disaster with the impacts felt most acutely by society’s most vulnerable populations: women, children, the poor and [...]
Rx for Survival 2011: Local Medical Students Empowered by Student PSR Conference
by Jessica Reid and Neal Tambe, USC Medical Student The 2011 ‘Rx for Survival’ conference held at the George Washington University campus in Washington D.C. brought together medical and other health professional students from across the country to learn about social justice and medical advocacy. Organized by a team of dedicated medical student leaders, the [...]
“From Molecules to Movements” on Green Chemistry
PSR-LA’s recent day- long symposium “From Molecules to Movements: Building the New Green Economy from the Ground Up” provided a forum for exploring green chemistry, education, and economic development. Participants included more than 150 high school students from South Los Angeles, and representatives from over 30 community-based organizations and businesses.
Announcing New PSR-LA Board Member: Dr. Richard J. Jackson
Richard Jackson, MD, MPH, is an internationally recognized environmental health expert who has done extensive work on the impact of the environment on health, particularly relating to children. He has centered on studies relating to epidemiology, infectious diseases and toxicology as the Chair of Environmental Health Sciences at UCLA. We are proud to announce Dr. [...]