Community-Specific Environmental Justice Risk Communication. J. Z. Temple, S. S. Bath, and C. Musham, Medical University of SC 171 Ashley Avenue, Charleston, SC 29425-8010
Four low-income and minority communities located in close proximity to a DOE nuclear facility were involved in an environmental justice risk communication initiative under the auspices of a DOE Environmental Justice Strategy addressing Executive Order 12898. The initial phase of this project identified community perceptions of health concerns, Savannah River Site (SRS) image and communication, and environmental concerns. Findings served as the foundation for the design, development, and delivery of four community-specific risk communication programs. In the second phase, two types of community meetings were conducted in each of the four communities. Initial meetings focused on responses to health concerns and further developed a two way dialogue with communities. The second focused on environmental monitoring data with emphasis on radiation and its impact on community air and water. The third task addressed selection and training of a risk communication team and resource personnel in preparation for community meetings. The process involved active utilization of both an advisory and technical committee throughout the process. Extensive outreach efforts focused on low income and minority communities. Results suggest that current outreach strategies need to better focus on reaching low income and minority communities. Public health education needs are prevalent in all communities studied and suggest a coordinated effort be undertaken by government, health agencies, and academia. Results also suggest that among low income and minority populations, environmental monitoring data must be provided by a diverse technical and resource team who is committed to risk communication and trained in adult training techniques.