“Our goal as researchers is not just to improve our understanding of environmental health. We need to make sure we answer the tough questions, and conduct investigations that connect to the social, cultural, economic, and policy realms so that science can lead to actionable strategies to reduce health disparities and improve people’s well-being,” Ramírez-Andreotta said. “I’m not saying I have it completely figured out, but I am committed to life-long learning and humility.”

“Gardenroots provides a space to improve resiliency at the individual and community level and hopes to support community connections and networks,” she said. “Participants are not only building on this experience and knowledge to make informed decisions to protect their health and the health of their community, but they’re also leveraging their data to inform local and state decision-making.”

For example, after resident’s data revealed that the public water system had levels of arsenic that exceeded the drinking water standard, the community members and Ramírez-Andreotta worked together to notify government officials and other households that may be affected. As a result, the town water supplier was issued a notice of violation and had continuous oversight until they reached compliance.