In recognition of Clean Air Month, we are highlighting videos from local leaders who eachg share how air quality supports their work and the people they serve.
“Not everyone realizes that air quality affects nearly every aspect of our lives and our community. May is Clean Air Month, so it’s a perfect time to highlight this,” said April Westby, executive director of Spokane Clean Air. “We’ve enlisted the help of local leaders across business, public health, education, parks, sports, and industry, each sharing why clean air matters every day, to every part of our community.”
Community Voices: Clean Air Matters starts Monday, May 4, and continues through May, showcasing weekly themes and associated videos on Spokane Clean Air’s website, Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube. The leaders who lent their voices, along with excerpts from their videos, include:
Shari McMahan, President of Eastern Washington University, “Clean air may not be something that young people think about every day, but it shapes everything about how they learn, live, and succeed. When air quality is poor, we see it immediately on our campuses; more missed classes, cancelled events, and less ability for students to focus and fully engage.”
Rose Noble, President/CEO, VisitSpokane, “Clean air is very important to visitors…When we don’t have good air quality, that means there’s not going to be the best memories those visitors take back home.”
Terry Judge, CEO, Hotstart Thermal Management, “At Hotstart, we take care of our people, and part of that care is providing clean, healthy air. Clean, healthy air not only benefits us physically, but also mentally, to feel our best and to do our best both at work and at home.”
Garrett Jones, Director, Spokane Parks & Recreation, “As parks are just as important to our community, so is the clean air that we breathe, especially for our youth…we need clean air for after-school activities, kids enjoying our parks, and summer day camps.”
Kyle Day, General Manager, Spokane Indians Baseball Club, “Clean air is really important to the Spokane Indians and to everyone in the outdoor sports community in Spokane. Safety is our number one service priority. Throughout the season, we are always monitoring the Air Quality Index, making sure that we are keeping our team members safe.”
Dr. Francisco Velázquez, Health Officer, Spokane Regional Health District, focused on the upcoming fire season and provided specific actions people can take to reduce their exposure to smoke. “Protect your lungs: check your local Air Quality Index and take smoke very seriously, your health may depend on it.”
“We are extremely grateful for the community leaders who shared the important message that clean air matters every day to every part of our community. Clean air is a precious resource, and protecting it is a shared responsibility,” said Westby.
