Through education and outreach, the Healthy Environments for Children (HEC) Initiative strives to protect and improve children's health as it relates to their environment—in their homes, their schools, and elsewhere.
HEC helps parents and guardians, educators, community leaders, trainers, and other caring adults understand, prevent, and improve environmental conditions that adversely affect the health of children and adults. HEC also helps children understand how to prevent and manage environmental health problems. Working in partnership with local, state, federal, and tribal agencies and organizations, HEC has focused on environmental health issues such as lead poisoning, radon, asthma, and water conservation.
HEC Services
HEC designs and develops programs and materials in areas related to children's environmental health. HEC offers expertise in writing, editing, instructional design, and curriculum development.
HEC specializes in translating sound research into practical information for a broad range of learners, including children, literacy-challenged adults, and busy professionals. HEC programs are developmentally appropriate, culturally respectful, and instructionally sound.
Awards
| 2014 | Communications Star Award for Print Media, National Healthy Homes Conference, for Susie and Jerome Learn about a Healthy Home book |
| 2014 | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 1, Environmental Merit Award to the New England Lead Coordinating Committee, administered by HEC |
| 2014 | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 1, Lifetime Achievement Award to Joan Bothell, HEC coordinator |
| 2014 | National Association of Environmental Professionals Award for Excellence in Education for Susie and Jerome Learn about a Healthy Home book and animated video |
| 2011 | University of Connecticut College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Excellence in Outreach Award |
| 2009 | Second place award for public service announcement in video contest sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Henry and Fred PSA |
| 2008 | University of Connecticut Provost's Award for Excellence in Public Engagement (Lead Program) |
| 2007 | Northeast Extension Director's Award of Excellence (Lead Program) |
| 2005 | Children's Environmental Health Recognition Award (in partnership with the Penobscot Indian Nation). Mother Bear book |
HEC is housed within the University of Connecticut's Department of Extension.