PFAS WEEK RECAP: Defend Joins Advocates in Week-long Testimonies on PFAS Related Bills

The week of April 24th, Defend joined legislators, impacted citizens, scientists and health advocates as they testified on a number of PFAS related bills to the Environment and Natural Resources Committee and the Health and Human Services Committee. As reported on by Portland Press Herald, concerned constituents faced pushback from business groups that want lawmakers…  Read more »

The Fight Against PFAS Contamination Across the Country

PFAS contamination is an issue that plagues every corner of our country. It destroys families and livelihoods without qualms. According to a recent study, around 200 million Americans likely receive water that is contaminated with PFAS. And while this is an issue that affects Americans across the country, it is one that adversely impacts low-income communities, communities of color, and farming…  Read more »

Defend Joined Dozens of Advocates in Support Of LD 132

On Tuesday, Defend joined dozens of impacted families, farmers, and activists who testified in support of LD 132 “An Act to Require Health Insurance Carriers to Provide Coverage for Blood Testing for Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances.” This bill would require insurance companies to cover the cost of PFAS blood serum testing. Advocates urged that a…  Read more »

Conversation with Nse Witherspoon, Executive Director of Children’s Environmental Health Network

Following the release of our report, “Problem Plastic: How Polyester and PET Plastic Can be Unsafe, Unjust, and Unsustainable Materials,” Defend’s Senior Communications Director, Taylor Moore, had the opportunity to chat with Nsedu “Nse” Obot Witherspoon, the Executive Director of the Children’s Environmental Health Network (CEHN).  For the past 23 years, Nse has served as a key spokesperson for…  Read more »

2022 Fall Brunch Celebration

This Sunday, Defend Our Health hosted an in-person event ceremony at our 2022 Fall Brunch Celebration! Event attendees enjoyed an outdoor event at Broadturn Farm with live music by Glen Loper and Bethany Waickman, a delicious brunch buffet, and an open bloody mary and mimosa bars while celebrating the victories we have accomplished over the…  Read more »

Toxic Chemicals and the Future of Environmental Health & Justice with Dr. Leo Trasande

For this year’s Giving Tuesday, Defend Our Health partnered with Dr. Leo Trasande, a professor of pediatrics at NYU’s School of Medicine, to offer a free copy of his book Sicker, Fatter, Poorer along with qualifying donations. Last week, Dr. Trasande appeared alongside Defend Our Health’s Communications Director, Taylor Moore, for a Facebook Live interview…  Read more »

Webinar: Intro to Public Health & Environmental Health

Thanks to everyone who attended our webinar this week with the Maine Public Health Association, “Promoting Health and Preventing Disease: How Public and Environmental Health Work Together.” Click here to watch the full webinar recording. Panelists:Dr. Lani Graham, MD, MPHSarah Rines (Maine Public Health Association)Patrick MacRoy, MS (Defend Our Health) In this introduction to environmental…  Read more »