About EHRA

About EHRA

The cornerstone of EHRA has been the EHRA Academy for youth ages 16 to 18. The EHRA Academy formed in response to community concerns about air quality issues.  Now in its 6th year, the EHRA summer academies entailed 2.5 intensive weeks of active learning, including:

•  an environmental bus tour of local air pollution sources, 

• mapping of environmental risks and assets with community leaders, 

• development of an air monitoring action plan, 

• practice using handheld air monitors, and 

• engagement in policy education trainings. 

The Process of EHRA

In past years, teams of Fellows were matched with local leaders to help them coordinate and deliver a community presentation on air pollution using local data and with recommendations for reducing environmental health impacts. Fellows gave community presentations to, 

• community members at the American Moslem Society

• students at Edsel Ford High School

• students at Salina Intermediate School

• Attorney General Dana Nessel

• U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell

• Dearborn Mayor

• City Council

More of EHRA

However, EHRA is more than our youth academies. For example, we host EHRA Talks, which is a virtual series by youth and for youth eager to address the environmental and social justice issues in Dearborn, MI and beyond.  

We are also working to translate agency documents into plain language -- keeping the scientific quality yet helping to ensure readability so the general public can engage in environmental decision-making in their community. 

EHRA is community-centered.  The EHRA founders includes representatives from several community, academic, health care, government, and faith-based organizations. 

EHRA Team Members

EHRA has been blessed to work with extremely talented undergraduate students who have been essential to the success of EHRA.  

The EHRA Academy is supported by Community Action to Promote Healthy Environments (NIEHS RO1ES022616, RO1ES032389) & the Michigan Center on Lifestage Environmental Exposures and Disease (NIEHS P30ES017885).