ALBANY, N.Y. - Aug. 6, 2019 - As summer draws to a close, and schools across the country gear up for the new school year, the Coalition for Healthier Schools is calling on Congress and the White House to make healthy learning environments a national priority. This year's Back to School Day of Action is Tuesday, August 13th.

"The country is divided, but we all agree that children are the future," said Healthy Schools Network Executive Director Claire Barnett. "For this year's national Back to School Day, we are urging Congress and the President to invest in the health of our children and their places of learning. Our children spend nearly a third of their lives in schools and childcare. Let's make the investments they need so that they are being educated in healthy learning environments."

This year's activities will include: calling on members of the US Senate to support a proposed $1/child enrolled in schools and childcare, or $65 Million for a Healthy Schools Grants Initiative at EPA and the Rebuild America's Schools Act; actions by states and local schools and childcare facilities to address common hazards like lead in drinking water and polluted indoor air; and supporting parents, teachers, administrators and facility directors who are working to ensure clean and green learning environments.

The 2019 Healthy Schools Day and Beyond Toolkit with action tips for schools, parents and others is available for those interested in cleaning up and greening up activities year long. Additional information is available at: http://www.healthyschools.org/Coalition/

Contact
Claire L. Barnett