Author Archive for PSR-LA
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. [...]
Cumulative Environmental Impacts in Los Angeles: Join Clean Up Green Up
Public health leaders gathered at the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center on April 6, 2011, for an educational forum and dialogue session. The keynote speakers, discussed the problem of cumulative environmental impacts and the disproportionate impact these have on low-income communities of color. They placed a special emphasis on the latest research on toxic hot spots, underlying social determinants and emerging policy solutions.
April 18 – The Fukushima Meltdown – Lessons from Japan and future energy sources in California and the U.S.
When: Monday, April 18, 2011 – 2:00 PM – 4:00 Where: Neuroscience Research Building (NRB) Auditorium, Neuroscience Research Building, 1st Floor635 Charles E Young Drive South, UCLA Please join us in a panel discussion and Q & A on nuclear energy concerns and its future in California and the United States. The panel features top experts in [...]
Support SB 147 (Leno): Fact Sheet
Download this information (pdf) In Brief: California’s Furniture Flammability Standard Technical Bulletin 117 (TB 117), has led to high levels of toxic or untested chemical flame retardants in furniture and baby products since 1975. SB 147 would instruct the Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair, Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation (BEARHFTI) to develop an alternative [...]
California’s Toxic Sofas – Give Us a Choice for Health
Right now members of the California legislature have the opportunity to take a step towards better health for Californians, and make a decision that values science-based prevention. Peer-reviewed animal and human studies find associations between flame retardants and decreased IQ in children, learning disabilities and more.
Health and the Nuclear Gamble
The world has anxiously watched the events in Japan unfolding this past two weeks after the horrific earthquake, tsunami and subsequent nuclear disaster. The feelings are magnified out of a sense of helplessness in aiding the victims in Japan mixed with concerns for potential effects and implications to our own health and communities. In assessing the devastating effects of natural disasters, we must pause as we consider the potential for catastrophic effects of man made disasters, specifically from nuclear power plants.
Nuclear Power: Health, Preparedness, and Prevention
PSR-LA extends our deepest sympathy to the people of Japan. As physicians and public health professionals, we are deeply concerned about the threat this nuclear disaster poses to public health and the environment on a local and global scale.
New Paper from PSR-LA: Public Health and the Green Economy
Physicians for Social Responsibility is proud to announce our new publication, Public Health and the Green Economy. In this concept paper, we set out to explore the question: How can the new green economy reduce toxic exposures, improve access to safer alternatives, while offering more Californians a way out of poverty? In our mission to [...]
New Staff Member Patty Ochoa
Patty comes to PSR-LA from environmental justice nonprofit, Pacoima Beautiful, where she coordinated and directed the “Safer Homes for a Healthier Community” program. She was instrumental in expanding the organization’s health promoter program to collaborate with local health clinics and address in-home health environmental hazards, as well as asthma triggers. Patricia has expertise in community [...]
PSR-LA Helps Re-Launch the Anti-Nuclear War Head
The Anti-Nuclear War Head, a unique and powerful sculpture, has an illustrious history in the anti-nuclear cause. It made its public debut on June 12, 1982 in New York’s Central Park, site of the largest rally against nuclear weapons to date, drawing over 1 million people.
Stopping Bad Chemistry: CA’s Environmental Health Communities Stand Up for Real Safer Product Regulations
In 2006, the University of California sent the report, “Green Chemistry in California: A Framework for Leadership in Chemicals Policy and Innovation,” to the California legislature. The report inspired Cal/EPA Secretary Linda Adams to launch the Green Chemistry Initiative (GCI), a set of legislation designed to fundamentally change California’s approach to environmental protection and reduce or eliminate toxic chemicals from use.
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.
Intern with PSR-LA
PSR-LA seeks a part-time or full-time Intern to collaborate with staff in program implementation, membership building, organizational development, and office administration. This position will benefit individuals interested in learning about PSR-LA’s dynamic programs, the fundraising initiatives on which they depend, and non-profit management.
Nov 10 — Legislative Briefing on Environmental Toxins and Disparities
PSR-LA is continuing our commitment to educating legislators and their staff on the emerging public health science and advocacy opportunities by partnering with the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Recommendations: 2010 Propositions and Public Health
PSR-LA is pleased to present a recommendation guide for several of the ballot propositions placed before voters this Fall. These measures directly affect the prioritization of public health with state funds, and directly affect our state’s ability to provide critical health services and preventive measures in California.