Content created by Assistant Secretary for Health (ASH)
HHS is dedicated to working with our private and public partners to provide an environment where all people enjoy the same degree of protection from environmental and health hazards and equal access to the decision-making process to maintain a healthy environment in which to live, learn, and work.
- HHS recognizes that people of color, disadvantaged, vulnerable, low-income, marginalized, and indigenous peoples, are disproportionately burdened by environmental hazards.
- These populations and communities are exposed to environmental threats that drive health disparities, are underserved, and are often surrounded by social inequities.
- The combination of environmental risks and social inequities create a cumulative, disproportionate impact that hinders optimal health and environmental justice for these populations.