January 30, 2002
Contact: Lori Schiraga or Y. Armando Nieto, EDC: 805-963-1622

SANTA BARBARA FOUNDATION FUNDS ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PROJECT
Environmental Defense Center and EcoSLO Continue Education of Pesticide Risks

SANTA BARBARA ? The Santa Barbara Foundation recently granted $30,000 to fund outreach and education efforts of the Central Coast Environmental Health Project (CCEHP), a collaborative project of the Environmental Defense Center (EDC) and the Environmental Center of San Luis Obispo (ECOSLO). The project, in its fourth year, addresses human health risks associated with pesticide exposure in Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo Counties. Funding from the Santa Barbara Foundation will provide continued support to develop the CCEHP's outreach efforts to Santa Barbara County residents.

The CCEHP's goal is to protect the public's health through education and advocacy while working to reduce the reliance on pesticide use in our communities through the use of assessment, community education, media outreach, training of health care professionals, and policy and regulatory advocacy. The project focuses on farmworkers, their families, school children and others who work or live near agricultural operations. CCEHP works to increase awareness of the current usage of pesticides, the dangers of exposure, exposure symptoms, alternatives to pesticides, and ways to minimize pesticide-related health risks. CCEHP also provides information to health care professionals on the proper diagnosis, treatment and reporting of suspected pesticide exposures.

"Continued support from the Santa Barbara Foundation enables CCEHP to help educate our community about how we can prevent pesticide exposure in the first place, and what to do if exposure does occur," said Lori Schiraga, CCEHP Project Director. "We are very grateful to the Santa Barbara Foundation."

EDC has provided legal, advocacy and educational services to community groups on California's Central Coast for over 20 years. As the only public interest environmental law firm between San Francisco and Los Angeles, EDC provides the expertise necessary to address environmental health issues from the standpoint of education and regulatory enforcement. ECOSLO has been San Luis Obispo County's only full-time, walk-in environmental resource center for over 25 years. ECOSLO currently coordinates a countywide Environmental Health Initiative to strengthen collaboration and awareness concerning environmental health issues.
Founded in 1928, the Santa Barbara Foundation has been a leader among community foundations addressing the most pressing issues within the county. Last year, more than $5 million was given back to the community for student aid and grants to nonprofit organizations in the areas of education and personal development, health and human services, environment and community enhancement, and culture and recreation.
For More Information Contact: Lori Schiraga, Project Director (805) 963-1622, ext. 107