REACHing for PFAS Solutions: A Collaborative Study on Community Responses to Contaminated Drinking Water

Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition (MBCC) is honored to share a newly published study, REACHing for PFAS solutions: how two communities responded to drinking water contamination, featured in the Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences. Cheryl Osimo, MBCC’s Executive Director, is among the authors of this important research, which reflects the collaborative efforts of PFAS-REACH, a community-engaged initiative dedicated to reducing the health impacts of PFAS contamination.

Led by Silent Spring Institute, in collaboration with Northeastern University and Michigan State University, PFAS-REACH exemplifies the power of partnerships in addressing environmental challenges. MBCC proudly serves as a community partner in this vital work.

Authored by Kimberly K. Garrett, Kira Mok, Phil Brown, Laurel Schaider, Martha Powers, Maia Fitzstevens, Andrea Amico, Cheryl Osimo, Alissa Cordner, and Courtney Carignan, the study compares how two communities, Pease Tradeport in Portsmouth, NH, and Hyannis, MA, responded to PFAS contamination in their drinking water. Drawing from 40 in-depth interviews, it highlights how activism, government response, and environmental justice inequities influenced local and national outcomes, from drinking water regulations to health advocacy.

MBCC remains steadfast in its mission to address environmental contaminants like PFAS and advocate for safer, healthier communities.

To explore this significant study, click the button below: