The Tri-County Health Equity Zone (HEZ) and the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council (WRWC) are proud to announce an innovative partnership to deliver a series of Green Labs workshops aimed at educating local residents about the health impacts of environmental hazards and empowering them with practical solutions.

This initiative is funded by the Rhode Island Department of Health’s (RIDOH) Environmental Health Risk Assessment Program (EHRAP) through a mini-grant opportunity.

The Green Labs workshops will take place at the Tri-County HEZ, 104 Greenville Ave, Johnston, and offer North Providence, Smithfield, and Johnston residents hands-on learning opportunities to better understand environmental risk factors affecting their health and the health of their communities. These interactive sessions will focus on identifying hazardous chemicals in the environment, assessing their public health implications, and exploring actionable solutions to mitigate exposure.

The Tri-County HEZ Green Labs series offers interactive, family-friendly workshops focused on environmental learning. On Monday, February 19, "Gardening & Greenway History" 5 PM will explore the history of the Centredale section and WRWC’s restoration efforts, with a hands-on Live Staking activity to help restore riverbanks. Later that day, "Residential Green Infrastructure" 6 PM will show homeowners how to manage rainwater and improve their landscapes sustainably. On Wednesday, February 21, at 11 AM, "Water Education & Filtration Fun" will engage families in fun experiments demonstrating how pollution affects rivers and how water can be filtered clean again.

“As a community-focused organization, Tri-County HEZ is dedicated to addressing social determinants of health and ensuring that every resident has access to the knowledge and tools they need to lead a healthy life,” said Lisa Kennedy, HEZ Director. “By partnering with WRWC, we can bring environmental health education directly to those who need it most.”

The Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council, known for its long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship and public education, brings a wealth of expertise to the project. “We are excited to collaborate with Tri-County HEZ to help community members understand and address environmental hazards,” said Alicia Lehrer, Executive Director of WRWC. “Together, we can empower residents to make informed decisions that promote both personal and environmental well-being.”

Workshop Details: Each Green Labs workshop will cover key environmental health topics, including:

• Identifying hazardous chemicals in local waterways and neighborhoods
• Understanding the link between environmental toxins and public health
• Learning practical ways to reduce exposure and improve home and community environments
• Exploring community-driven solutions for environmental resilience
• The workshops are designed to be engaging, accessible, and informative for all residents, with a special focus on inclusivity and community participation.

About Tri-County HEZ:The Tri-County Health Equity Zone serves Johnston, North Providence, and Smithfield, working to create healthier, more connected communities by addressing barriers to health such as lack of access to healthcare, affordable food, and safe living environments. Through community engagement and collaboration, Tri-County HEZ empowers residents to take an active role in improving public health.

About WRWC:The Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council works to restore and sustain the Woonasquatucket River and its surrounding communities through environmental advocacy, education, and sustainable development. With a strong history of environmental education and community engagement, WRWC plays a crucial role in advancing environmental justice and public health initiatives in Rhode Island.