June 25, 2026 by Isaiah Warfield Each year, World Environment Day is celebrated in early June to highlight the importance of protecting our environment and creating healthier, more sustainable communities. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 99% of the world’s population breathes air that is not at recommended air quality levels, making environmental education and awareness more important than ever. Environmentally focused organizations encourage us to promote clean & healthy walking and biking trails, participate in community clean-ups, and promote clean air and sustainability initiatives. Across the Jefferson Regional Foundation footprint, organizations are helping create healthier communities through tree planting, community gardens, farming initiatives, and expanded access to outdoor spaces. These organizations also provide environmental education, youth engagement, and school and community programs that encourage environmental awareness and responsibility. Understanding Data & Local Impact Air quality remains a significant concern in our region. According to Pennsylvania health data, Mon Valley communities have asthma hospitalization discharge rates among the highest in the state. Approximately 11% of children in Allegheny County have asthma, according to a 2019 Allegheny County Health Department report. Studies have also found rates as high as 22.5% in schools located within two miles of industrial centers. Among adults, about 16% of Allegheny County residents have asthma, matching the statewide rate. Water quality is another important environmental and public health concern. According to Three Rivers Waterkeeper’s 2025 Swim Guide Report, nearly one-third of Southwestern Pennsylvania’s rivers and streams are considered impaired due to pollution sources. These challenges highlight the importance of the quality of the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the outdoor spaces we enjoy, which directly impact health and well-being. Conditions where people live, work, and play directly influence their quality of life. By improving access to clean air, safe water, and green spaces, nonprofit partners help to create conditions where residents can thrive. Nonprofit Partners Addressing Environmental Challenges Across Our Footprint 412 Justice: Provides resources and education through in-person and virtual events to promote public health and overall well-being by offering interactive community sessions focused on air quality and environmental justice in partnership with the Clairton Family Center and Greater Valley Community Services. Clean Water Fund: Provides resources and education focused on air quality to residents of Braddock and North Braddock through three in-person training courses in partnership with Greater Valley Community Services, located in Braddock. Mon/Yough Trail Council: Promotes public health and overall well-being via access to a maintained natural environment as requested by community residents. This community hiking and biking trail extends through the boroughs of Port Vue, Liberty, Lincoln, and Elizabeth Township. Nine Mile Run Watershed Association (Upstream Pittsburgh): Offers environmental education and resources in partnership with residents. Focuses on residents of Braddock, North Braddock, Clairton, Duquesne, West Mifflin, and McKeesport, and lifts the community voice. Topics of focus include water quality, zoning, and land use. PA CleanWays of Allegheny County: Focuses on eliminating litter and illegal dumping through volunteer cleanups, education, and organizing proper disposal. Offering land cleanups, water cleanups, and environmental education. Regional Trail Corporation: Promotes public health and overall well-being via access to a maintained natural environment as requested by community residents. This community trail extends through McKeesport, Duquesne, Whitaker, West Homestead, Homestead, Munhall, and West Mifflin. Tree Pittsburgh: Increases awareness and knowledge of tree benefits and tree techniques in Braddock and increases the tree canopy, which will reduce heat, improve air quality, and enhance overall environmental quality. References Allegheny County Health Department. (2019). Asthma in Allegheny County. Pittsburgh, PA. American Lung Association. (2025). State of the Air: Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. Retrieved from https://www.lung.org/research/sota/city-rankings/states/pennsylvania/allegheny Pennsylvania Department of Health & Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council. Asthma hospitalization discharge rates by ZIP code. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Three Rivers Waterkeeper. (2025). 2025 Swim Guide Report. Pittsburgh, PA. Retrieved from https://www.threeriverswaterkeeper.org/swim-guide World Health Organization. “Air Pollution.” World Health Organization. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/health-topics/air-pollution#tab=tab_1
