The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #64583

Robyn Gilden, RN, MS, Environmental Health Education Center, University of Maryland Baltimore School of Nursing, 655 W. Lombard St., Rm 665, Baltimore, MD 21201, 410-706-4803, rgilden@son.umaryland.edu

This presentation will focus on an innovative twist to traditional public health nursing skills – community empowerment at hazardous waste sites. Nurses with skills in risk communication, toxicology, and assessment, work with a variety of communities all dealing with some type of contaminated site. Although the people, location, type of contamination, and rules and regulations may change, one thing remains constant – communities need and want more information and a better opportunity to participate in decision-making that affects where they work and live. Lessons learned from several case studies will be presented to illustrate the challenges facing communities as they navigate through the assessment, cleanup, and redevelopment processes. Additionally, policy gaps will be identified regarding viable community participation.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the challenges involved in assisting communities learn about contaminated sites and participate in cleanup decision-making.
• Explore possible roles for public health professionals in assisting communities.
• List available resources for public health professionals and communities working with hazardous waste sites.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.