THE INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROJECT

The public is exposed to pesticides in the home, workplaces, schools, parks and other community venues. Residents in underserved communities are especially challenged with significant pest problems and exposure to a variety of toxic pesticides. There is a continued need to educate Maryland's communities about pesticide hazards, in particular, those suffering from those suffering from health problems exacerbated by living in impoverished circumstances.

This project was initially launched as an outgrowth of the IPM in Health Care Facilities Project. As part of our work with several Baltimore Hospitals, the project partners MPN and Beyond Pesticides have been working to educate the surrounding underserved communities about the hazards of pesticides and safer pest management at home in collaboration with Morgan State University's School of Public Health Program. IPM training has been delivered in a variety of settings, including neighborhood association meetings and community events.

The Project contributed to a section of the current Baltimore City Sustainability Plan referencing IPM and is a lead partner on urban IPM in the City's Sustainability Plan.

Project staff work in collaboration with the Baltimore City Health Department (BCHD) and other organizations focused on healthy homes work in the City. The Project provides educational materials in English and Spanish to City agencies and various non-profit organizations for their outreach efforts to educate residents.

Project staff work in collaboration with the Baltimore City Health Department (BCHD) and other organizations focused on healthy homes work in the City. The Project provides educational materials in English and Spanish to City agencies and various non-profit organizations for their outreach efforts to educate residents.

In addition, the Project is collaborating with BCHD on IPM education for commercial operations under Health Department jurisdiction, including small grocery and convenience stores that currently sell commonly used pesticides by recommending a selection of alternative products for them to offer their customers.

For further information on this Project , please contact Sharon Fried, IPM Project Director at sfried@beyondpesticides.org; 410.605.0095;