Center for Health and the Environment Resource Hub

The Center for Health and the Environment (CHE) is dedicated to advancing understanding of how environmental exposures impact human health and ecosystems. Our mission is to generate innovative knowledge and practical tools that protect and improve the well-being of people, families, and communities by addressing critical environmental health challenges.

Our primary organizational goals include conducting multidisciplinary research on chemical, air, water, and soil exposures; educating graduate students, residents, and researchers; fostering collaborations across colleges and faculties; promoting environmental justice; and translating scientific findings into policies and practices that safeguard public health globally. We focus on uncovering the mechanisms by which environmental agents contribute to diseases such as cancer and respiratory illnesses, thereby informing prevention strategies and safety standards.

About the Center for Health

Governed by an advisory board composed of faculty experts, community representatives, and public health leaders, the Center for Health and the Environment operates under the guidance of Interim Director Isabel P. Montañez. Key staff members include program directors, research coordinators, and education specialists who collectively oversee the center’s diverse portfolio of work. Funding sources encompass federal grants, state health departments, academic institutions, and private foundations, enabling a broad scope of research, education, and community engagement initiatives.

Who We Serve: Health and the Environment Stakeholders

The center serves a wide array of stakeholders committed to environmental health. Our community partners include local health departments, environmental advocacy groups, and families concerned about exposure risks. Academic collaborators span multiple colleges and departments, involving faculty and graduate students specializing in toxicology, epidemiology, environmental science, and public health. We also engage policy makers, industry leaders, and regulatory agencies to ensure that research findings translate into effective environmental and occupational health policies that protect vulnerable populations, including children and workers.

Public Health Research and Surveillance

Our active surveillance programs monitor environmental exposures and related health outcomes across diverse human populations. Prioritized public health indicators include cancer incidence, respiratory diseases, and developmental disorders linked to chemical and radiation exposure. Data collection methods integrate epidemiologic studies, environmental sampling of air, water, and soil, and biomonitoring techniques to assess exposure levels accurately. Evaluation metrics focus on exposure reduction, disease prevention, and improved health equity, enabling continuous refinement of intervention strategies.

Data Products and Publications

The center routinely publishes standard reports, fact sheets, and peer-reviewed briefs that synthesize current research findings and surveillance data. These publications serve as valuable resources for researchers, policy makers, and community members seeking to understand environmental health risks. We maintain a transparent data request process to facilitate access to our datasets, supported by clear guidelines and responsive staff. Routine data releases are scheduled to align with public health reporting cycles, ensuring timely dissemination of critical information.

Climate Change and Environmental Health

Climate change poses emerging threats to environmental health by altering exposure patterns and exacerbating vulnerabilities in human populations. Our research defines health priorities related to climate impacts, such as increased air pollution, vector-borne diseases, and extreme weather events. By mapping exposure and vulnerability pathways, we identify communities at greatest risk and develop targeted adaptation and mitigation actions. These include enhancing surveillance systems, promoting resilient infrastructure, and educating families and children about climate-related health risks.

Climate Adaptation Projects

Ongoing climate adaptation pilots focus on integrating environmental health considerations into community planning and public health practice. Projects involve collaboration with local governments and residents to evaluate intervention effectiveness through community-based participatory research methods. These efforts emphasize equity, aiming to protect marginalized groups disproportionately affected by environmental hazards intensified by climate change.

Health and the Environment Programs

The center supports a diverse portfolio of programs addressing environmental health challenges. These initiatives include workforce training modules designed to equip researchers, residents, and public health professionals with the latest knowledge and tools. Community grant opportunities enable local organizations to implement environmental health projects that align with our mission. Cross-sector collaborations bring together stakeholders from academia, government, industry, and the community to foster innovative solutions that improve safety and health outcomes.

Community Engagement and Equity in Public Health

Engagement with communities is central to our approach, ensuring that research and interventions reflect local needs and priorities. Outreach strategies include public forums, educational workshops, and partnership development with community-based organizations. Equity measurement indicators track progress in reducing health disparities related to environmental exposures. Community listening sessions provide platforms for residents to share experiences and co-create solutions, reinforcing trust and mutual accountability.

Upcoming Events and Seminars

We maintain a public events calendar featuring seminars, workshops, and conferences on environmental health topics. Early announcements of registration deadlines facilitate broad participation by graduate students, faculty, researchers, and community members. Post-event summaries and presentation materials are published to extend the impact of these learning opportunities beyond attendees.

Seminar Series Planning

Our quarterly seminar series showcases leading experts in environmental health research, including faculty and invited speakers. These events foster dialogue on innovative topics such as chemical safety, air quality, and climate adaptation, supporting continuous education and collaboration within the environmental health community.

Data Access, Requests, and Contact

Clear data access guidelines are available on our website, outlining procedures for submitting data requests and the types of data accessible. We provide templates to streamline request submissions and ensure efficient processing. Contact information includes dedicated email addresses and phone numbers staffed by knowledgeable personnel to assist researchers, policy makers, and the public in navigating our resources.

Evaluation, Funding, and Partnerships

Program evaluation criteria focus on impact, sustainability, and stakeholder satisfaction, guiding continuous improvement. We actively track funding opportunities and awards to support innovative research and community initiatives. Partnerships are documented with defined roles and responsibilities to maximize collaboration effectiveness and resource sharing.

Governance, Policy, and Strategic Planning

Our governance structure includes advisory committees and working groups that oversee policy development and strategic planning. The strategic plan timeline is published to maintain transparency and accountability, aligning center activities with emerging environmental health priorities and public health goals.

The Center for Health and the Environment stands at the forefront of efforts to understand and mitigate environmental exposures that affect human populations worldwide. Through rigorous research, education, community engagement, and policy collaboration, we strive to protect families, children, and workers from harmful chemicals and environmental hazards, ultimately improving health outcomes and advancing environmental justice. Our commitment to innovative science and practical solutions ensures that the knowledge we generate translates into meaningful action to safeguard public health now and for future generations.