Background: Hazardous waste sites are ubiquitous. Recognizing and evaluating human health effects from exposure to hazardous waste has recently begun to gain attention in the medical literature. However, the process by which to evaluate affected individuals and communities may vary in both scope and function. Community-based environmental health clinics were established for members of affected communities. Community members were concerned about public health effects that may have arisen from exposure to a variety of environmental toxins. The concept of a diagnostic and evaluative facility at a hazardous waste site as part of a community educational project is an unprecedented process. Objective: A review of clinical services was conducted to provide an analysis of the activities, and provide guidance for future efforts through the development of practice guidelines. Conclusions: A variety of themes were identified as processes to guide clinical activities in an effort to improve overall performance. The presentation will discuss observations supporting an interdisciplinary approach and collaborative efforts to improve educational, clinical service, and administrative outcomes. Practice guidelines for environmental health response clinics will also be highlighted.
Learning Objectives: 1. Discuss the scope of environmental health issues at NPL sites. 2. Describe the scope of service for environmental health response clinics. 3. Discuss the development and implementation of practice guidelines for environmental health response clinics. 4. Articulate a plan for implementation of future environmental health response clinics.
Keywords: Environment, Environmental Justice
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: The Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.