From left, Iron Gate Mayor Gary Craig, Chairman of the Alleghany County Board of Supervisors Matt Garten, Covington Mayor Tom Sibold and Clifton Forge Mayor Jeff Irvine proclaim Thursday, October 10, 2024 Children’s Environmental Health Day in Clifton Forge, Covington, Iron Gate, and Alleghany County, Virginia. Staff member of the Children’s Environmental Health Network, Hannah Wilkerson, stands in the middle at rear.

Area Officials Sign Proclamation On Children's Environmental Health Day   Covington, VA (Sept. 10, 2024) - Thursday, October 10, 2024 is proclaimed Children’s Environmental Health Day in Clifton Forge, Covington, Iron Gate, and Alleghany County, Virginia in response to a request submitted by Clifton Forge resident, member of the Clifton Forge Parks & Trails Committee, and staff member of the Children’s Environmental Health Network, Hannah Wilkerson. Children’s Environmental Health (CEH) Day takes place on the second Thursday of October each year. It's based on the idea that, together, we can create a healthier, safer, more equitable world for all children. 

Right now, 1 in 4 US children ages 2-8 has a chronic health condition. And 34% of all children’s health issues result from environmental factors that could be prevented or changed. That means it is in our power to reduce the suffering of children. All children deserve safe and healthy places to live, learn, play, and worship. CEH Day was established by the Children’s Environmental Health Network in 2015 to raise awareness about the importance of clean air and water, safe food and consumer products, and healthy environments to children’s well-being and development. This day is a means to raise awareness, encourage actions that promote child wellness, celebrate progress in the protection of children’s environmental health, and create a strong network of child health advocates nationwide. As a region that prides itself on its beautiful landscape and love for outdoor recreation, safe access to nature is a key children’s environmental health issue for our area. Time spent in natural environments improves children’s physical and mental health issues: increasing physical activity, reducing symptoms of asthma and attention disorders, decreasing stress, anxiety, and depression, and increasing self-confidence.  
In Clifton Forge, the Parks & Trails Committee is dedicated to creating and maintaining recreational spaces for the enjoyment of the Town and its surrounding communities. Their recent projects include an in-town Sensory Trail and a community garden on the Smith Creek Trail. They are currently fundraising for an all-abilities playground to update a current playground and increase equitable access to safe outdoor spaces for local children. The Parks and Trails Committee looks forward to celebrating Children’s Environmental Health Day with our neighbors! 

There are plenty of ways for individuals to get involved with CEH Day! If you’re a Clifton Forge area resident, we’re always looking for new members of the Parks and Trails Committee (follow us on Facebook @CliftonForgeParks) and donors for the All-Abilities Playground. No matter where you live, anyone can write a note to your congressional leaders about an issue close to your heart, take a walk with the kids in your life, host a stream cleanup, or read an eco-healthy book. Right now, teachers, child care providers, and librarians across the country are participating in a CEH Day art contest and book giveaway hosted by the Children’s Environmental Health Network.

CEH Day encourages individuals and organizations to raise awareness and understanding of children’s environmental health issues and to advocate for improvements in policy, regulations, and practices to best protect children from exposure to environmental hazards. By signing this proclamation Mayors Jeff Irvine, Tom Sibold, Jr., and Gary Craig and Chairman of the Board of Supervisors for Alleghany County, Matt Garten have joined many other communities across the country that are committed to improving environmental conditions for children nationwide. Through collective action, we can help to ensure a healthy future for all.

Visit cehday.org to learn more and get involved!

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