How Mississippi Prioritizes Environmental Justice During Disaster Response
July 30, 2024 | Ali Aslam, Yaryna Onufrey, Beth Giambrone
Environmental justice is defined as all people enjoying the same degree of access and protection from environmental and health hazards. This happens by intentionally involving all people—regardless of race, color, national origin, or income—while developing, implementing, and enforcing environmental laws and policies. The Mississippi State Department of Health incorporates environmental justice principles into their disaster response and emergency preparedness efforts. Mississippi's environmental justice work has been community-based and equity-driven. This case study dives into Mississippi’s cross-sector partnerships, community health initiatives, and health equity work as the state has worked to address environmental health concerns.