Healthy Schools Network is coordinating a push by leading children’s health and education advocates to put PreK-12 school environmental health at the center of the Trump administration’s Make America Healthy Again strategy for children’s health. In a letter to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., who chairs the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission, the advocates state that, “Improving school environmental health is not only urgent—it is one of the most immediate and achievable opportunities to reduce harmful exposures, prevent chronic illness, and support healthier learning and development for all children.”
The letter goes on to say that school facilities are a defining influence on the health of 50 million students. Yet conditions remain dire: the American Society of Civil Engineers has assigned a “D+” rating for school infrastructure, citing critical needs such as water upgrades to remove lead and indoor air/HVAC improvements. Many older schools still harbor asbestos, lead, and PCBs, and pose hazards from growing molds, flooding, and extreme heat. Poor indoor air quality damages children’s health and ability to learn, as well as the health of teachers, staff and other personnel.
The advocates request a meeting with Chairman Kennedy to provide detailed suggestions for reducing health threats in school environments. The letter is signed by 21st Century School Fund, American Lung Association, Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Center for Environmental Health, Children’s Environmental Health Network, Healthy Schools Network, Society for Public Health Education, and National PTA.
TAKE ACTION: Do you agree that the MAHA Commission should prioritize healthy schools? Send an email stating your support to letterstosecretary@hhs.gov and include the link to this letter from leading advocates.
Get Involved! Registration is open for EPA’s Children’s Health Protection Advisory Committee (CHPAC) Meeting–August 27-28
High attendance by advocates is essential to show support for EPA’s healthy schools and children’s health programs
This will be the first CHPAC meeting since the appointment of Lee Zeldin as the administrator of EPA. It represents a key opportunity (especially on Day 1) to communicate directly with Trump administration appointees and senior career officials about the importance of fully funding and fully staffing EPA’s children’s health and schools programs.
Here are links you can use:
Note, there is an option to register to speak at the meeting. Also, you can register your support for EPA’s school program by submitting a written comment prior to the meeting at the registration link…comments due August 13, 2025.
Other News
Resilient Schools: Preparing for Extreme Weather, Dislocation, and Trauma–webinar recording and resources now available
Our widely attended July 30th webinar was both eye-opening and informative. We thank all who participated: our stellar presenters and nearly 300 attendees from government agencies, schools, NGOs, and communities. Here’s a list of helpful follow-up resources, including the webinar recording and bios; links to background information on climate, asthma, indoor air quality, and more; and guidance from pediatricians, EPA, and the Department of Education.
The HEAL Summit–Rethinking Space for Whole Student Success
Healthy Schools Network is pleased to share an opportunity that aligns deeply with our long-standing commitment to innovative learning environments. On Monday, August 25, HEAL and VS America are hosting a dynamic, hands-on, professional development event that explores how movement and spatial proficiency can accelerate learning. The event features two nationally recognized speakers:
- Dr. Dieter Breithecker, Health and Kinetics Scientist, who will share neuro-cognitive insights on how space impacts student performance (all the way from Germany)
- Courtney Sevigny, Learning Environment Specialist at VS America, who will guide us through the dynamics of gathering and the power of space in shaping student outcomes (former RI school leader)
The HEAL Summit – Rethinking Space for Whole Student Success
Lab fire and an evacuation show the need to remove hazardous chemicals and use safer alternatives
In Massachusetts, a fire in a chemistry lab this summer injured a teenager and a teacher. In Kansas, roof repairs—begun when children and teachers were still in school—caused chemical contamination so bad that the school was evacuated at the end of the last year. Testing revealed levels of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) almost 24 times the recommended level and four times the level considered severe. The disruption continues in the new school year: students must go to an alternate location while the roof is replaced.
These incidents—and many others—point to the dangers of hazardous chemicals throughout our schools. As kids return to school, it’s important to remove these dangerous chemicals from labs and supply closets and to replace hazardous products. Fortunately, safer, effective alternatives exist. Our National Healthy Schools Day highlighted New York State’s green chemistry curriculum (webinar here; use passcode $V.LxC1@). Our Green Cleaning & Healthy Products page has more information on a wide range of healthier, safer products and materials. See also EPA’s Sensible Guide for Healthier School Renovations and Healthy Schools Network’s renovation factsheet.
Study: US Children Have Become Increasingly Unhealthy
The prestigious Journal of the American Medical Association has released a study finding that over the last 17 years, children in the United States have grown increasingly unhealthy. The study looked at 170 indicators and 8 data sources—all pointing to the decline. Read the editorial accompanying the study here.
