This project is intended to serve as a model to establish the most effective way to exchange information among remote or isolated Alaska Native maritime communities, healthcare providers, and scientists concerning environmental justice and health. The primary objective is to establish self-sufficiency in Alaska Native communities, within existing healthcare systems, to minimize exposure to environmental contaminants. Specifically, the research team will collaborate to develop a series of training programs that address environmental justice and health issues of importance to the residents of St. Lawrence Island, Alaska. These programs will be designed by members of the St. Lawrence Island communities in conjunction with research scientists and healthcare providers. An Advisory Committee, research team, healthcare providers, and members of the affected community will collaborate to set up a system of communication among the collaborating groups; create a sampling program to test for environmental contaminants; establish a community health assessment program; and use the emerging data to implement an environmental justice and health training program. Although the program model developed through this study will be used to benefit the St. Lawrence Island specifically, the project will provide descriptions, information, and mechanisms on how the model can be used in similar situations in other locations in Alaska and other areas of the United States.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)
Type
Education Projects (R25)
Project #
5R25ES010459-04
Application #
6663893
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZES1-JPM-B (RT))
Program Officer
Srinivasan, Shobha
Project Start
2000-09-01
Project End
2005-08-31
Budget Start
2003-09-01
Budget End
2005-08-31
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2003
Total Cost
$203,725
Indirect Cost
Name
Alaska Conservation Foundation
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Anchorage
State
AK
Country
United States
Zip Code
99501
Byrne, Samuel; Miller, Pamela; Waghiyi, Viola et al. (2015) Persistent Organochlorine Pesticide Exposure Related to a Formerly Used Defense Site on St. Lawrence Island, Alaska: Data from Sentinel Fish and Human Sera. J Toxicol Environ Health A 78:976-92
Miller, Pamela K; Waghiyi, Viola; Welfinger-Smith, Gretchen et al. (2013) Community-based participatory research projects and policy engagement to protect environmental health on St Lawrence Island, Alaska. Int J Circumpolar Health 72:
Carpenter, David O; DeCaprio, Anthony P; O'Hehir, David et al. (2005) Polychlorinated biphenyls in serum of the Siberian Yupik people from St. Lawrence Island, Alaska. Int J Circumpolar Health 64:322-35