Representatives of our federal government health agencies are listening to and taking notice of our concerns.  With the Gulf Coast and our nation facing an environmental disaster, Mobile and the Gulf Coast have a critical opportunity to participate by providing community input.  The Community Conversations were scheduled before the oil spill, but since this tragedy, this event has become more important. Even though the oil spill is a priority, the topics will cover a broad range of chemical and public health issues. 

At the close of the Community Conversations,  I will summarize the comments and suggestions of the participants.  The summary will be posted on Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry (ATSDR)/ Center for Disease Control (CDC)  “National Conversation” website.  According to the ATSDR, the public's input will help direct policy, strategy, authorization, and funding to improve public health and to prevent chemical exposure and injuries.
The ATSDR/CDC selected me to host the Community Conversations as a result of my participation in the National Conversation on Public Health and Chemical Exposure in May, my environmental activism in Mobile and on the national level, and my chemical exposure and injuries.

I met with Gov. Bob Riley last April and spoke with him briefly, urging him to support programs to improve and protect the environmental quality of Alabama schools. After hearing the story of my chemical injury, at my request, both Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour and Alabama Gov. Riley signed proclamations for "National Healthy Schools Day on April 26,2010."   Mississippi Gov. Barbour stepped up and proclaimed the week of April 26 "Healthy Schools Week" 

 
National Healthy Schools Day is sponsored by Healthy Schools Network.  I represent Healthy Schools Network in Mobile and partner with a number of national environmental and health organizations.  My articles on improving environmental quality of our schools and reducing chemical injuries have been published in the MS Sun Herald, the Mobile Press Register and in newspapers nationwide. 

Let me know if you need more information,

Nancy Swan