Issue: The Anderson Community, a predominantly Black community with a high prevalence of chronic health issues and disability in Caswell County, has been selected as the proposed site for an asphalt plant
Goal: Support the Anderson Community Group’s advocacy efforts against the proposed facility
Activities:
- Survey to assess self-reported health status & environmental quality in the Anderson Community
- Facilitate education on environmental health risks and encourage civic participation
- Support grant applications
- Next Steps: Water quality monitoring project
The EJ Clinic is working in partnership with the Anderson Community Group to conduct a community health and environmental quality assessment of the Anderson Community, located in Caswell County. The Anderson Community has been selected as the proposed site for an asphalt plant and residents are concerned that the plant’s operations will exacerbate existing health issues and environmental concerns already present in the community. The EJ Clinic uses a community-based participatory research approach, which recognizes community expertise and promotes co-learning and mutual benefits by equitably including community leaders in each step of the research process. Together, we found that 77% of Anderson residents report at least 1 chronic illness, 48% report three or more chronic illnesses, and 45% report at least one disability that limits life activities. Additionally, 83% of surveyed residents in the Anderson Community self-identify as African American, Latine, or American Indian, making the siting of this plant a Title IV issue. To learn more and to support the Anderson Community in fighting for environmental justice, please visit the ACE Facebook group.