By Kristin Withrow, CSDA Communications Specialist
The San Joaquin Valley’s unique geographical and meteorological conditions contribute to a persistent risk of air pollution. Since its formation in 1992, the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (Valley Air District) has been taking proactive steps to safeguard the health of its residents, especially vulnerable populations. At the forefront of this initiative is the Healthy Air Living Schools Program, a dynamic effort that has evolved over the last two decades to become a beacon of community outreach and education.
The San Joaquin Valley’s topography, nestled amid mountains with minimal consistent wind, creates a scenario where air pollution gets trapped, and particulates tend to linger. This, coupled with mobile sources, industrial activities, and a growing population, poses a significant threat to air quality. Monitoring and managing this situation while educating residents and businesses on pollution prevention is the primary focus of the Valley Air District.
Residents with respiratory conditions, such as asthma, COPD, or cardiovascular illnesses, bear the brunt of air pollution’s adverse effects. Children, in particular, are more susceptible due to their smaller airways, higher respiratory rates, and increased vulnerability to respiratory infections. Recognizing these risks, the Valley Air District’s program targets a multi-faceted approach involving schools, parents, and students.
Nzong Xiong, Valley Air Outreach and Communications Representative, explains the three-pronged strategy: “First, we include the school administrators, principals, and teachers; second, the parents to help them learn about air quality and where to find resources; and then the students to teach them about air quality.” This comprehensive approach ensures the entire community is engaged in understanding and addressing air quality concerns.
The Healthy Air Living Schools Program has transitioned from a basic Air Quality Flag Program to a sophisticated, real-time, data-driven communication initiative. With 1,026 participating schools actively monitoring air quality throughout the day, decisions can be made promptly to protect students when poor air quality is detected. In addition, information from 297 of these schools is made publicly available on school websites.
The Valley Air District provides schools with tools like widgets for their websites and a mobile app delivering real time information on ozone and particulate matter. Jaime Holt, Valley Air Chief Communications Officer, emphasizes the flexibility of these resources. “By developing highly customizable digital and physical resources, we are able to respond to the individual demands of any school’s situation while still maintaining a consistent approach,” she stated.
The California Department of Education’s Clear Guidelines for Schools and Wildfire Smoke was developed in conjunction with the Valley Air District’s guidelines and incorporates activity levels from short recesses to sports practices. The guidelines help schools make informed decisions based on air quality levels, ensuring the protection of all students, particularly sensitive populations.
Parents are equipped with tools and information to make decisions for their children, not only during the school year but also over the summer. The Valley Air District aims for consistent protection for children when air quality deteriorates, emphasizing the importance of community wide awareness and collaboration.
Students are not left out of the equation. The Valley Air District provides age-appropriate materials and education about the causes and effects of air pollution. By instilling this knowledge from an early age, the program is shaping future generations to make informed lifestyle choices that positively impact air quality. Maricela Velasquez, Valley Air Bilingual Outreach and Communications Supervisor, highlights the district’s inclusive efforts. “We make sure our materials are easy to understand without too much technical terminology that might not translate well into Spanish.” The district actively participates in coffee hours and parent-teacher association meetings, fostering engagement within diverse communities, including Spanish and Hmong-speaking populations.
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