FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Watch our short documentary below.
For decades, students, families, and residents surrounding Jordan High School in Watts have been living in the shadow of an environmental crisis not of their making. The now-shutdown Atlas Iron and Metal Corp exposed the community to dangerous levels of heavy metals, including lead. The consequences have been felt in the bodies and lives of the people who call this neighborhood home.
Following interventions at the federal, state, county, and city levels, the cleanup process is now beginning. UMMA Health which operates a health center on the campus of Jordan High School has joined this effort as a committed community health partner, working alongside Jordan High School, LAUSD, and LA Trust to host lead testing events for residents and identify those in need of elevated medical care. The early data is sobering: of the adults and children tested so far, 1 in 10 showed signs of elevated lead levels in their blood. A stark reminder of the real and lasting toll of environmental injustice, especially as lead exposure to children can cause damage to their brain development and nervous system
This work reflects something fundamental to who we are at UMMA Health. Caring for our community means showing up not just inside our clinic walls, but wherever our neighbors need us most. Including in the fight for clean air, clean soil, and a healthy environment. Health equity cannot be separated from environmental justice.
We are proud to share a short documentary that tells this story honoring the resilience of the Watts community and the dedication of the UMMA team working tirelessly to ensure wellness and care is delivered to every person in our community. None of this would have been possible without funding from the LA Trust of Children’s Health, thank you.
To learn more about our lead testing events or to schedule a screening, contact us at events@ummaclinic.org.