About Pennsylvania Tracking Program

Feb. 7, 2024

The Pennsylvania (PA) Tracking Program’s mission is to be a centralized source of environmental health data and resources to promote a healthy Pennsylvania for all.

Quick Stats

Pennsylvania is the birthplace of our country and known as the "Keystone State."

With nearly 13 million people, Pennsylvania is the fifth largest U.S. state.

About a third (30.8%) of the population lives in census tracts with higher rates of environmental injustices. These are tracts where 20% or more of the population lives below the poverty level and/or 30% are from racial and ethnic minority populations.1

Pennsylvania's rich industrial history left a legacy of environmental contamination. The state ranks third on the list of states with the greatest number of sites on the National Priorities List.

Accomplishments

Protecting Residents from Heat-related Illness

The Pennsylvania Tracking Program is taking proactive steps to protect residents from the increasing threat of extreme heat in the state. In 2024, they launched a heat stress project in partnership with the Pennsylvania Occupational Safety and Health Surveillance program. This work focuses on raising awareness of heat-related illness among outdoor workers and non-English speakers who are most at risk.

Tracking program staff created flyers and messages detailing the risks and symptoms of heat-related illness. Their work was translated into eight languages, including Spanish and Arabic, based on user feedback. So far, they have successfully shared the messages with over 26 stakeholder groups with a goal of at least 50 groups. These efforts help more Pennsylvanians recognize and manage heat stress, effectively reducing illness and death.

Adding Environmental Health to State Health Planning Efforts

The PA Tracking Program collaborated with the PA Department of Health to add an environmental public health goal to the 2023–2028 State Health Improvement Plan. Namely, the goal seeks to improve environmental health by focusing on communities with environmental injustices. Specific objectives are taken directly from PA Tracking Program indicators related to air quality, heat-related illness, and childhood lead poisoning.