The Role of Policy in Prevention: Protecting People and the Environment

Abstract

While the role of governments in promoting health policies and regulations to protect and support all its citizens, particularly those more vulnerable, needs to be reaffirmed, the work of non-profit organizations should be highlighted. Nsedu Obot Witherspoon discusses the mission, contributions, and actions of a national non-profit organization–the Children’s Environmental Health Network–that strives to foster equity, protect all children from environmental hazards, and promote safe and healthy environments for children to thrive in. This commitment is challenged by the traditional approach to environmental health laws and regulations that is based on proving harm from environmental hazards, such as carcinogens, before measures are taken to protect all, especially the most vulnerable. The goal of fostering a cancer free society is a collective and shared endeavor, which requires to acknowledge and address the troubling effects of systemic discrimination and racism on low wealth, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities.