Problem: Community Health Workers are interested in learning more about mold, PFAS, and pesticides to be better prepared for questions they’re asked during home visits.
Solution: Over the past several years, Region 10 PEHSU has been building a relationship with Community Health Worker organizations, including the Oregon Community Health Worker Association (ORCHWA). We’ve had the opportunity to deliver several trainings to ORCHWA CHWs in the past, including trainings on both lead and childhood cancer & the environment.
In February 2026, Region 10 PEHSU director Dr. Catherine Karr was invited to present as part of the ORCHWA training series. The group expressed interest in learning more about mold, PFAS, and pesticides, because these are topics they frequently encounter during home visits with families of young children. The bilingual presentation was titled, “Preventing Environmental Health Problems at Home: Three Common Topics.”
Impact: Attendees expressed appreciation noting: “Thank you for organizing such a beneficial training session! Your collaboration, expertise, and enthusiasm are much appreciated.” They plan to use this information in future home visits with families.