YAKIMA, Wash.-A million dollar grant aims to increase groundwater and air quality outreach and education in the lower Yakima Valley.
The Environmental Protection Agency awarded the Department of Health the grant as part of a three-year project set to begin in 2024.
According to the Yakima Health District, the project to connect community members with essential resources, information, and tools to create safer and healthier living environments hopes to reach more than 15,000 lower Yakima Valley residents.
Lower Yakima Valley residents have been exposed to environmental factors in groundwater and air quality which increase the risk of poor health outcomes, according to the Yakima Health District.
“For too long, residents of the Lower Yakima Valley have been disproportionately harmed by water and air pollution,” said Washington Governor Jay Inslee.
According to the YHD, the project and EPA funding will provide support to vulnerable populations, address disparities in environmental health outcomes and promote health equity in the Lower Yakima Valley.
“In partnership with federal, state, and local agencies, we’re committed to empowering residents with environmental awareness, addressing environmental health disparities, and fostering a healthier, more equitable future,” said Andre Fresco, Executive Director, Yakima Health District
