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Home » 2026 » January » 23

Daily Archives: January 23, 2026

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ANHE News Take Action

Tell Tennessee lawmakers: Support HB 1369 for Kindergarten Lead Screening

by The ANHE Team

Published January 23, 2026

we.are.anhe

Plastic chemicals and microplastic exposures must

Plastic chemicals and microplastic exposures must be reduced to protect children’s brains.

Project TENDR's new scientific consensus statement on how chemicals in plastics and microplastics are harming children's brains is now published in the June issue of Environment International. It says:

1. Action is urgently needed to safeguard children’s developing brains from microplastics and plastic-related chemicals.
2. Neurotoxic chemicals in plastics are contributing to children's problems with learning, attention, and behavior.
3. One in 6 children in the U.S. are now diagnosed with developmental conditions including ADHD, autism, and learning disabilities.
4. Microplastics can enter cells and disrupt placental and metabolic functions that impact fetal growth and brain growth.

There are solutions.

Read this paper from Project Tendr (link in bio): https://zurl.co/OOh2r
#reduceplastic
#microplastics
#protectkidshealth

Food safety is health policy. As communities push

Food safety is health policy.

As communities push for stronger safeguards, nurses are urging Congress to strengthen FDA oversight and support clear, science-based protections that help prevent harm and advance healthier outcomes for all.

Read more from Hailey Kufner, RN on the recent House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee hearing on food chemical regulation and oversight: https://zurl.co/q4NOE (or head to the 🔗 in our bio)

NEXT WEEK! Do you want to learn how to communicate

NEXT WEEK! Do you want to learn how to communicate effectively about toxic chemicals and environmental health science so you can speak to media, public audiences, lawmakers and groups - all while protecting your scientific credibility?

Nurses will gain confidence as they learn how reporters will approach reporting on their science. Tactical guidance will also be provided for media interviews including best practices for communicating uncertainty that is inherent in good science.

Thursday, June 11 | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM ET

This training will be held virtually.

Register here (link in bio): https://zurl.co/vxvHy

Governor Shapiro’s new GRID data center standards

Governor Shapiro’s new GRID data center standards are a critical step forward for Pennsylvania — with real protections for families, businesses, and public health. By tying incentives to cleaner power (10% by 2027, 14.5% by 2030, 32% by 2035), GRID begins to address the growing health impacts of energy demand — from air pollution to climate-related illness.

It also sets expectations for transparency and community engagement. Communities deserve to understand what data center projects are coming — and how they may affect air, water, and health. But GRID is not the finish line. These standards only apply to projects receiving state incentives.

We still need binding, statewide protections to ensure no community bears disproportionate health risks. Nurses: this is our moment. Reach out to state leaders and urge them to publicly commit to strong, health-centered data center policies. The decisions made today will shape health outcomes for years to come.

Today, nurses with the Alliance of Nurses for Heal

Today, nurses with the Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments testified at the U.S. EPA public hearing on proposed delays to clean air standards for light- and medium-duty vehicles.

ANHE opposes this delay because protecting clean air is protecting health. Vehicle pollution contributes to asthma, respiratory infections, heart and lung disease, and other serious health harms, with children, people living near major roadways, and communities already overburdened by pollution facing some of the greatest risks.

As nurses, we know there is no time to delay when it comes to human health. EPA must prioritize families, workers, children, and frontline communities by upholding strong clean car and truck standards.

Everyone deserves clean water, safe products, and

Everyone deserves clean water, safe products, and healthy communities. That’s why advocates from the Alliance for Health and Safe Chemicals are on Capitol Hill urging Congress to protect #TSCA, our nation’s main chemical safety law.

TOMORROW! Join us on June 4 from 3–4 PM ET for the

TOMORROW! Join us on June 4 from 3–4 PM ET for the Policy & Advocacy Forum: Overview of the Civic Process on the Road from Primaries to Midterms.

Gilanie De Castro, MSN, RN, OCN, NE-BC, CNML, will discuss how nurses can engage in environmental policy at the local and state level, identify key moments for legislative advocacy, and help shape an environmental-focused "One Key Question" for policymakers.

Register (link in bio): https://zurl.co/l8vZZ

TOMORROW! Get Ready for Summer Reading with ANHE

TOMORROW! Get Ready for Summer Reading with ANHE

This summer, let’s keep learning, growing, and leading together.

Join the ANHE JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) Committee on June 4 as we launch our Summer Book Club! We’ll introduce three inspiring book options, and attendees will vote on the one we’ll read and discuss together this summer.

Thank you to everyone who participated in our Freedom Training and Know Your Rights Training. As nurses committed to healthy people, healthy communities, and health equity, continuing to learn together is one of the most powerful things we can do.

We hope you’ll join us for an engaging conversation and a summer of shared learning. See you there!

Registration (link in bio): https://zurl.co/KRaoj

Join us on June 4 from 3–4 PM ET for the Policy &

Join us on June 4 from 3–4 PM ET for the Policy & Advocacy Forum: Overview of the Civic Process on the Road from Primaries to Midterms.

Gilanie De Castro, MSN, RN, OCN, NE-BC, CNML, will discuss how nurses can engage in environmental policy at the local and state level, identify key moments for legislative advocacy, and help shape an environmental-focused "One Key Question" for policymakers.

Register (link in bio): https://zurl.co/PrlJi

Veronica Vital and the National Association of His

Veronica Vital and the National Association of Hispanic Nurses are emphasizing that climate action is public health action. Nurses know that protecting the environment is essential to safeguarding health, resilience, and the future of communities where people live, work, learn, and play.

Healthcare professionals across the country are urging leaders to strengthen environmental protections and support policies that prevent harm and promote community well-being. Nurses see firsthand that healthy environments are key to healthy lives.

Join nurses in calling for policies that protect public health, equity, and the environment (link in bio):
https://zurl.co/FaYFB

Vivienne Pierce McDaniel and the National Black Nu

Vivienne Pierce McDaniel and the National Black Nurses Association are highlighting the urgent need for state leaders to act on climate and air quality protections. Serving rural communities and patients with asthma, COPD, and outdoor workers, she knows firsthand how poor air quality and extreme heat are already impacting health.

“Worsening weather events are accelerating these harms, and without action, the burden on our patients and healthcare system will only grow.”

Nurses see that transitions to renewable energy and cleaner vehicles reduce pollution at the source and deliver measurable health benefits for every community. Healthcare professionals across the country are calling on leaders to act now to protect patients, reduce preventable illness, and ensure equitable health outcomes.

Join nurses in advocating for clean air, climate solutions, and public health protections (link in bio):
https://zurl.co/Lmwzg

Cristina Watkins sees the health impacts of climat

Cristina Watkins sees the health impacts of climate change across the country every day through her work in telemedicine. From hurricanes that disrupt access to medications in Florida to worsening wildfire smoke in California and the spread of tick-borne illnesses in the Midwest, she knows climate change is already affecting the health of patients and communities nationwide.

As a nurse practitioner, Cristina believes protecting public health means supporting policies that protect clean air, clean water, and healthy communities. Nurses continue to advocate for solutions that reduce pollution, address climate-related health risks, and help ensure everyone has the opportunity to live a healthy life.

Join healthcare professionals across the country in calling for policies that protect public health and our environment (link in bio):
https://zurl.co/sKH7N

Rebecca Shasanni Ellis and the Public Health Nursi

Rebecca Shasanni Ellis and the Public Health Nursing Section of the American Public Health Association are calling on healthcare professionals to speak out against the rollback of critical environmental protections. For more than a century, public health nurses have worked to prevent disease and protect community well-being, and they know that clean air and a stable climate are essential to that mission.

Join healthcare professionals across the country in calling for policies that protect public health, clean air, and a safer future (link in bio):
https://zurl.co/iPDnm

Just last week, Vermont officially become the firs

Just last week, Vermont officially become the first state in the nation to ban paraquat after Governor Scott signed the bill yesterday! 🎉 With June 4 as the last day of the NY legislative session as both the Senate and Assembly chambers are still finalizing budget bills, we encourage everyone to use the momentum from Vermont to urge the passage of A.10074-A/S.9094-A in New York. We feel confident that the Prohibit Paraquat Act will pass if it reaches the floor in either house but the window for this action is tight and narrowing! Let’s make sure NY is the next state to pass this important act to protect public health.

Please join us and take urgent action (see link to EWG action alert, make phone calls to your local NY reps, and write op-eds, letters, and use social media, etc. to pressure lawmakers—specifically Speaker Heastie and Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins to pass A.10074-A/S.9094-A.

Take action NOW (link in bio): https://zurl.co/CqBkS

Amanda Dow is speaking out about the health conseq

Amanda Dow is speaking out about the health consequences of weakening environmental protections. As a registered nurse and graduate nursing student, she’s seen how pollution and environmental exposures contribute to cancer, respiratory illnesses, and other serious health conditions affecting patients and communities.

“The endangerment findings affect everyone. It is directly related to the public’s health.”

Healthcare professionals know that clean air, clean water, and a healthy environment are essential to preventing disease and protecting future generations. Nurses like Amanda are urging leaders to stand up against environmental rollbacks and prioritize policies that keep communities healthy.

Join nurses and healthcare workers across the country in calling for action to protect public health and our environment (link in bio):
https://zurl.co/mZDzS

Dr. Felesia Bowen and the National Association of

Dr. Felesia Bowen and the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners are raising concerns about the health impacts air pollution and climate change are having on children across the country. Pediatric healthcare professionals see firsthand how poor air quality contributes to respiratory illness and other serious health challenges for young patients.

“Pediatric advanced practice nurses across the country see firsthand the health toll that air pollution takes on our children.”

Healthcare professionals are urging leaders to strengthen protections against greenhouse gas emissions and prioritize the health and future of children and families. Nurses know that protecting clean air is essential to protecting pediatric health.

Join nurses and healthcare workers across the country in calling for action to protect children’s health and clean air (link in bio):
https://zurl.co/gqRfS

📚 Join us in celebrating the launch of Taking Acti

📚 Join us in celebrating the launch of Taking Action: Top 10 Priorities to Promote Health and Well-Being Through Climate Action and Advocacy!

Edited by Katie Huffling, DNP, RN, CNM, FAAN, and Susan B. Hassmiller, PhD, RN, FAAN, the book brings together leading nurse authors and experts to explore how health professionals can advance climate solutions and protect community health.

Learn more about the book here (link in bio): https://zurl.co/E4geg

Danielle McCamey is speaking out about the public

Danielle McCamey is speaking out about the public health consequences of weakening environmental protections and the disproportionate impact pollution has on historically marginalized communities. As Founder, CEO, and President of DNPs of Color, she emphasizes that nurses are already seeing the effects of climate-related illness and environmental exposure every day in clinics, emergency rooms, and communities across the country.

“Policies that weaken clean air protections will deepen health inequities and increase preventable harm.”

Nurses know that environmental justice is public health justice. Healthcare professionals across the country are calling for stronger protections that safeguard clean air, reduce preventable harm, and protect the health and future of every community.

Join healthcare workers in urging leaders to act now for public health and environmental justice (link in bio):
https://zurl.co/Eoyan

🚨 Earth Week Action: Defending Public Health and C

🚨 Earth Week Action: Defending Public Health and Climate Protections

During Earth Week, Sen. Ed Markey joined public health experts, labor leaders, and community advocates in Boston to challenge the Trump administration’s “scorched earth” policies. We’re proud that ANHE member Suellen Breakey, PhD, RN, Director of the Center for Climate Change and Health Equity, spoke about the real health impacts of weakened environmental protections and the urgent need to safeguard clean air, clean water, and healthy communities. 🌎

Big news from Vermont: Governor Phil Scott has sig

Big news from Vermont: Governor Phil Scott has signed H.739 into law, making Vermont the first state in the nation to ban paraquat, one of the world's most toxic herbicides. The legislation was supported by testimony from Jason Kirchick, MPH, MSN, CNL, RN, MEDSURG-BC, ANHE Nurse Fellow Alumnus, who highlighted the growing evidence linking paraquat exposure to serious health harms, including Parkinson’s disease. Congratulations to all the advocates, nurses, farmers, and community members who helped make this landmark public health victory possible.

Read about it here (link in bio): https://zurl.co/3amLq

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Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments
P.O. Box 25 Mount Rainier, MD 20712
240.753.3729
info@envirn.org

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