Recorded presentation

Katherine K. Edgren, MSW¹, Donele Wilkins, AS², Maria A. Salinas, AS³, Melissa J. Smiley, MPH student¹, Olajumoke O. Johnson, MPH Student⁴, and Edith A. Parker, DrPH¹. (1) Department of Health Behavior & Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1420 Washington Heights, M5146, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, 734-615-0494, kedgren@umich.edu, (2) DWEJ, CAAA Steering Committee Member, PO Box 14944, Detroit, MI 48214, (3) School of Public Health, University of Michigan, 1420 Washington Heights, Room M5146, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, (4) Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, 1420 Washington Heights, SPH II, Room M5146, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029

This presentation will focus on the development of a virtual "Toxic Tour" of Detroit, Michigan, as a part of the community organizing component of Community Action Against Asthma (CAAA), funded by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. CAAA is a multi-disciplinary, community-based participatory research and intervention project involved in identifying and addressing environmental factors associated with childhood asthma. The partnership involves community based organizations, health agencies, and the University of Michigan. One goal is to inform community members about activities that may have an impact on the respiratory health of the community. As part of this goal, a team from CAAA developed a "tour" of neighborhoods in southwest and east Detroit to examine environmental hazards and threats. The virtual Toxic Tour is intended to be a part of a website and also a stand alone Power point presentation. Developed for a general audience, it includes information on environmental justice, air pollution health effects, and suggestions for getting involved in CAAA organizing efforts. Environmental issues covered by the tour include: poor land use; poor stewardship of natural assets/parks; and industrial hazards, such as air pollution, ground contamination, and blight. In recognition of the strengths of these neighborhoods, existing "assets" such as parks, etc. are also included in the tour. Lessons learned in developing and in using the tour as an educational tool will be discussed.

Learning Objectives:

• 1. To understand the mechanics used to develop a Toxic Tour, using a community-based, participatory approach.
• 2. To appreciate lessons learned in the development of such a tour.
• 3. To learn about environmental problems in southwest and eastside Detroit, and ongoing efforts to address these.

Keywords: Air Pollutants, Asthma

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.

Recorded presentation