Apr. 12 – 2024

When thinking about Earth Day, a variety of images come to mind: being more conscientious about the amount of energy we use, planting trees, and cultivating gardens. The focus of Earth Day is to bring awareness and promote environmental protection. In this digital age, it can be easy to forget that we, as human beings, are part of a natural ecosystem. We must remember how much the natural and built environments can affect our health. 

Health Equity

Health equity is a term used in healthcare, but is often misunderstood. The World Health Organization defines health equity as “the absence of unfair and unavoidable or remediable differences in health among population groups defined socially, economically, demographically, or geographically.” Historically socioeconomically disadvantaged communities are more likely to live in areas with high pollution in both the natural and built environments, for example, water and air pollution, lead and asbestos in older buildings, and the like. Meanwhile, high socioeconomic communities have access to cleaner drinking water, parks and open spaces, and high quality homes and offices.  The differences in these environments can have profound impacts on people’s health.  Therefore, health research must take environmental factors into account.

Colorado Longitudinal Study

At the Colorado Longitudinal Study, we are tying biological samples to environmental, behavioral, and social data. We are actively recruiting Fort Collins residents to participate in our biobank.  In order for everyone to benefit, there must be participants from all socioeconomic groups and diverse environments. Groups not represented in the cohort may benefit less from future research than those that are represented.

On Earth Day we are reminded of the importance of protecting and improving our environment. We all deserve to live in clean environments.