New York State Department of Health Receives $5 Million to Address Indoor Air Quality In Schools
Project Activities Will Expand Training and Technical Assistance to Schools with Emphasis on Underserved Communities
Efforts Improve Student and Staff Health, Attendance and Academic Performance
ALBANY, N.Y. (September 13, 2024) – The New York State Department of Health and Health Research, Inc. have been awarded $5 million in grant funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to address indoor air quality and greenhouse gas reduction in schools. The Department will use the funding to work with schools to increase knowledge and awareness of best practices related to indoor air quality and greenhouse gas reduction among school staff to protect children's health throughout New York State.
"All children deserve a safe and healthy learning environment as this important social determinant of health is foundational for both their physical and academic development," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "This grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will allow the State Health Department's School Environmental Health Program to assist schools that need it the most to ensure proper air quality in their buildings and to protect the health of New York's students."
This funding allows the Department to provide additional assistance to more than 2,300 K-12 schools in underserved communities, including public, private, charter and tribal schools.
Poor building conditions and indoor air concerns in schools contribute to lower attendance, higher rates of asthma and other respiratory symptoms, and poor academic performance.
Funds will be used by the Department to expand the New York State School Environmental Health Program to help school facility managers self-assess and take appropriate actions to create healthier learning and working environments for all students and staff across New York State. Resources will be used by the Department to:
- Host free school environmental health training events where facility managers and other school personnel can learn from subject matter experts about key school environmental health topics such as improving indoor air quality, chemical and cleaning management, reducing mold and moisture, and taking appropriate steps on climate action.
- Provide individual technical assistance to school districts to help them identify local needs and implement indoor air quality improvements and greenhouse gas reductions.
The New York State School Environmental Health Program is a voluntary, non-regulatory program that emphasizes practical steps that are low or no-cost to improve school environments across the state.
Learn more about the New York State School Environmental Health Program here.
Learn more about indoor air and health here.
