The Southwest Center for Pediatric Environmental Health (SWCPEH), is one of 10 Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Units (PEHSU), a network of experts in children’s environmental health. The SWCPEH serves Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arkansas. Our program is located at Texas Tech University Health Science Center, El Paso with consultants in all 5 states.
The mission of the PEHSU program is to:
- Reduce environmental health threats to children.
- Improve access to expertise in pediatric environmental medicine.
- Strengthen public health prevention capacity.
The SWCPEH will host 1.5 days of Train the Trainer Environmental Health Education designed specifically for community health workers, promotoras, public health staff, and other frontline educators. These trainings emphasize practical, culturally relevant information that can be shared directly with families.
To support our mission, we educate health professionals and community members on the following topics:
Introduction to Pediatric Environmental Health and Prenatal Exposures: This presentation will define pediatric environmental health, explain characteristics that make children more susceptible and vulnerable to environmental hazards, and list the importance of educating women and mothers.
Childhood Cancer and the Environment: Get the Facts About Reducing Risk of Childhood Cancer: This presentation will explain the overall trend in pediatric cancer incidence, explain why children are more vulnerable, and list prevention strategies for childhood cancer hazards.
Protecting Farmworkers and Their Families from Pesticide Use: This presentation will explain how pesticides, pesticide use can be helpful and harmful, it will identify exposure and what to do if exposed, and it will give information on worker protection rights.
Household Hazardous Chemicals: This session will describe common hazardous chemicals found in and around the home, explain routes of exposure and health effects in children, and provide strategies for safe storage, use, and disposal to reduce risk.
Cleaning, Disinfecting, and Sanitizing: This session includes learning when it is appropriate to clean, disinfect, or sanitize and gives recommendations for using safer ingredients in household cleaning and disinfecting agents.
Emergency Preparedness: This training helps families and community members learn how to keep loved ones safe during emergencies. It explains what disasters are, why children are more vulnerable, and simple steps families can take to prepare. The training also highlights common environmental hazards and how to avoid them, emphasizing that preparation strengthens both individual safety and the resilience of the entire community.
Registration Information: Space is limited and food will be provided. No-cost registration is now open, https://elpasottuhsc.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3sfC4PkSVsD9myq