What are Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Units (PEHSUs)? posted on Jul 1, 2021
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The Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Units (PEHSUs) are a national network of experts in the prevention, diagnosis, management, and treatment of health issues that arise from environmental exposures from preconception through adolescence. Children are uniquely susceptible to the health effects of environmental hazards. Their rapid development, proximity to the ground, and the fact that they eat, drink, and breathe more per pound of bodyweight make children particularly vulnerable to environmental exposures. Children and families who are underrepresented and/or who live in underserved communities are even more likely to suffer the effects of environmental hazards and disasters. Effectively addressing these challenges facing children and families requires a health care system that is knowledgeable and capable in environmental health and can address prevention, risk reduction, and early exposure detection. Collaboration among reproductive and pediatric health care professionals, who are routinely viewed as trusted sources of health information by families and communities, is necessary to increase the capacity of health care systems to ensure the health of children and families. To address gaps in clinical education on these complex issues, PEHSU services include education, consultation, outreach, and referral for both health professionals and communities. These services are essential to reduce risk of environmental exposures to children and families and mitigate potential health effects before they happen. There are 10 PEHSUs, each responsible for a different geographical region of the United States (US). Each PEHSU is based at an academic health institution with experts in pediatrics, allergy/immunology, neurodevelopment, toxicology, occupational and environmental medicine, nursing, reproductive health as well as other specialized areas. The PEHSUs work together to address any reproductive and children’s environmental health issue that affects families and communities, including safer disinfectant use (especially during the COVID-19 pandemic), wildfire smoke, PFAS, lead, pesticides, mold, and many more. PEHSU Mission StatementThe mission of the PEHSU program is to improve reproductive and children's health by leading the integration of environmental health into clinical care and public health while supporting communities to address historical injustices and ongoing environmental racism and address the existential threat of climate change. PEHSU Vision StatementHealthy Environments For All Children – Powered By PEHSU |
What PEHSUs Do posted on Jul 1, 2021
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PEHSUs work with health care professionals, parents, schools, community groups, federal, state, and local government agencies, and others to address reproductive and children’s environmental health issues. The basic services of the PEHSU network include: Community Education and Outreach
Health Professional Training
Consultation and Referral
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PEHSU History & Operations posted on Jul 1, 2021
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The PEHSU program was created in 1998 by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through Executive Order 13405, "Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks.” These partnering federal agencies operate through a cooperative agreement with a national organization to manage the PEHSU operations and ensure its success. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) serves as the PEHSU National Program Office (NPO). The AAP was founded over 90 years ago to serve as an independent forum to address children’s unique health needs. The AAP is a nonprofit, professional membership association representing more than 67,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists, and pediatric surgical specialists. As the NPO, the AAP coordinates and supports each of the regional PEHSUs. Program partners at the American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT) support the work of the NPO by providing additional technological and content expertise. The NPO works closely with the PEHSUs to effectively address the complex, multifaceted environmental health challenges facing children and families. Program Outreach Materials |
PEHSU National Partnership posted on Jul 1, 2021
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Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry US Environmental Protection Agency |
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