Community Groups Collaborate on Air Monitoring and Outreach for Outdoor Workers

The BRACE Climate and Health Equity Coalition held its quarterly meeting on July 16, 2025, focusing on enhancing collaboration among community groups involved in air monitoring and health outreach. The meeting aimed to foster connections between various organizations working on environmental health issues, particularly those related to air quality and the health of outdoor workers.

During the discussions, participants emphasized the importance of community engagement and knowledge sharing. One member suggested that local air sensing and monitoring groups should convene to share their findings and experiences. This collaboration could lead to a better understanding of air quality issues across different regions in Connecticut.

Dr. Mitchell highlighted several active community groups, including an environmental justice group in Stamford and a network in Waterbury that recently received funding for monitoring projects. These organizations are crucial in addressing local environmental health concerns and could benefit from increased communication and collaboration.

The conversation also touched on the need to include outdoor workers in health outreach efforts, particularly migrant farmers who may face unique health risks. A representative mentioned the Community Health Center Inc., which has previously provided services to migrant workers and could be a valuable partner in future initiatives.

Additionally, a recent student thesis on farm workers in Connecticut, which focused on heat risks, was noted as a significant contribution to understanding the challenges faced by this population. The coalition aims to build on these insights by inviting more organizations to participate in future discussions.

Overall, the meeting underscored the coalition's commitment to improving health equity and environmental justice in Connecticut, with plans for further outreach and collaboration among community groups in the coming months.