Environmental Health Research-to-Action (EHRA) is a community-academic partnership focused on building skills and intergenerational knowledge in environmental health, community science, and policy advocacy to address cumulative environmental exposures in Dearborn and nearby communities.

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 5th 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. 

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

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.