Administrator Jackson was in Atlanta, Georgia today to announce the launch of EPA’s work in the Faith Based and Neighborhood Partnerships Initiative and to join a Children’s Health Round Table.

To launch the Faith Based and Neighborhood Partnership Initiative, Administrator Jackson was joined by a range of stakeholders, including Representative John Lewis (GA-5) and members of the St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, winner of the Energy Star Congregation of the Year Award.

“In the history of this nation, faith communities and neighborhood groups have been instrumental in efforts to open new opportunities and improve the world we live in. We are initiating today an effort to connect the talent, energy and enthusiasm we see in faith groups and communities across the nation with the work we are doing at EPA,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “This is part of a broader effort, involving the White House and 12 other federal agencies, to form working relationships between government at all levels and faith-based and secular non-profit organizations to serve Americans in need and keep children and families healthy.”

EPA’s initiative supports President Obama’s Advisory Council on Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships by working to access and strengthen partnerships between our government and community-serving organizations that work on the local level. To learn more about these partnerships, visit EPA’s FBNP page or the White House Office of Faith Based and Neighborhood Partnerships.

After kicking off the Faith Based and Neighborhood Partnerships Initiative, Administrator Jackson joined a children’s health town hall with participants from local universities and educational organizations. The safeguards EPA enforces help reduce dangerous pollutants like radon, mercury and asthma triggers. These efforts help our nation’s young people breathe easier, and ensure they have every opportunity to succeed.

While at the children’s health town hall, Administrator Jackson acknowledged EPA’s support for the Southeastern Center for Air Pollution Epidemiology at Emory University.  The center, in collaboration with Georgia Tech, will study the health effects of multiple air pollutant mixtures in addition to single pollutants.