From the desk of Mayor Eddie A. Perez

     I have always believed that Hartford’s strength lies in its neighborhoods, and that a neighborhood is only as strong as the residents who live in them.

    The residents of Hartford face the same issues as residents of all major cities-economic development, education, and public safety. But Hartford residents are also concerned with environmental issues such as asthma, lead poisoning, air quality and brownfields. Hartford has the highest child asthma rate in the State, and one-third of the City’s households have someone with asthma living there.

    That is why the Hartford Health Department website project is so important. Hartford residents are in the position to advocate for policies and legislation that will improve their quality of life with regard to urban environmental justice. But in order to advocate effectively, they must be well informed, and the website and briefing book provide the information that will allow them to do just that.

    The City’s Health Department has a number of programs and initiatives aimed at addressing Hartford’s environmental concerns, including the website and briefing book. But the success of these programs depends on the involvement of our residents. I encourage you to use this and other City resources to stay informed, get involved, and help New England’s rising star shine bright.

                                                                                   Mayor Eddie A. Perez