DOH Awards $2.5 Million to Support Local Environmental Groups
King County and Washington state are receiving $2.5 million to help communities hurt by climate change. This funding comes from the Department of Health (DOH) as part of the Climate Commitment Act. The goal is to promote environmental justice and improve community health.
The funding is split into two parts: $1.1 million from the Workplace Safety Grant Program and $1.4 million from the Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Capacity Grant Program.
The Workplace Safety Grant Program will support nine organizations. The focus is on helping workers deal with extreme weather, like heat, cold, and smoke from wildfires. A special emphasis is on agricultural workers. Organizations like Wakulima USA in Kent and Latino Civic Alliance in Seattle will use these funds to run community events. They’ll share important tips on staying safe during climate-related challenges.
Maura Kizito, development director at Wakulima USA, noted that their community event will teach farmers practical ways to protect themselves. They’ll provide protective equipment and translate safety materials into Swahili to make the information accessible.
The HEAL Capacity Grant will also funnel resources to smaller organizations. For instance, the Washington State Coalition of African Community Leaders in Renton will use their funds to better guide environmental initiatives. Other recipients include New Americans Alliance for Policy and Research in Kent and African Community Housing & Development in SeaTac.
Lauren Jenks, assistant secretary for DOH Environmental Public Health, emphasizes the importance of including community voices in these efforts. “We aim to build trust and respect by prioritizing the experiences of those directly affected by environmental issues,” she said.
These grants reflect the growing recognition of environmental justice’s role in public health. In 2022, a report showed that areas with higher rates of pollution often have limited access to healthcare. Investing in these communities can help bridge that gap and ensure a healthier future.
For more information about the ongoing efforts, check out the Washington Climate website.
