Impact

Established in 2001, PVAC  addresses childhood asthma by improving medical and self-management of asthma as well as by reducing environmental triggers. We have focused o changing policy and systems to have an impact, with focus on outdoor air pollution and indoor air quality. 


Awards and Recognition


2021 Healthcare Heroes

Revitalize Community Development Corporation’s DASHH,  “Doorway to an Accessible, Healthy Home” collaboration won the 2021 Business West Healthcare Heroes Award for healthcare collaborations. This healthy homes work grew out of a collaboration with Revitalize, PVAC and healthcare entities including Baystate Health Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Baystate Research, Holyoke Medical Center, Green & Healthy Homes Initiatives and the Public Health Institute of Western MA.

 

2020 Partners Asthma Center Award

PVAC Director Sarita Hudson was awarded was awarded the 2020 Partners Asthma Center Asthma Achievement Award for her leadership of the coalition.

 

2019 EPA Region 1 Environmental Merit Award for Children’s Health.

The EPA's New England region honored PVAC for our work with Holyoke and Springfield schools as well as other policy advocacy on improving air quality. PVAC


2014 Asthma Friendly Schools in Springfield

Springfield's Indian Orchard Elementary and Kensington International schools were honored last week by the American Lung Association for their efforts to create a school environment that is healthy and "asthma friendly" with the Asthma Friendly School Initiative's Champion Silver Award. .

Making Schools Healthier for Students with Asthma

Holyoke

PVAC supported the Healthy Holyoke Prevention & Wellness Trust Fund program to provide professional development to school nurses, support green cleaning policy and practices and the Open Airways program for elementary school students.  The Holyoke School Wellness Committee incorporated environmental health and asthma into their updated school wellness policy.  The Facilities department has adopted green cleaning policy as well.


Holyoke Public Schools are partnering with the Pioneer Valley Healthy Air network to install air sensors at schools.

Springfield

PVAC has worked with Springfield schools to educate the community about the state anti-idling law, as well as fragrance-free procedures for classrooms and green cleaning procedures. This collaborative efforts led to adoption of asthma management education and green cleaning practices, leading to a reduction in asthma emergency room dismissals.


The Springfield Department of Parks is also partnering with the  Pioneer Valley Healthy Air network to install air sensors at schools.

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