OHIO'S "GREEN" SENATE BILL HIGHLIGHT MCS AWARENESS MONTH

NEWS FROM:

THE OHIO NETWORK FOR THE CHEMICALLY INJURED

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For Further Information Contact:

Toni Temple (440) 845-1888

 

OHIO'S "GREEN" SENATE BILL, GREEN LIBRARY MEETINGS, AND GREENING OF THE FLEETS

HIGHLIGHT MCS AWARENESS MONTH

http://www.ohionetwork.org/2009/2009release.pdf

 

"Green Progress" is taking place in Ohio to increase awareness about and create a safer

environment for those with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), a chronic health condition

caused by exposure to toxic environmental chemicals we are surrounded with in our daily lives.

Those with MCS frequently develop neurological, pulmonary, cardiac, rheumatic, and vascular

conditions from toxic exposures. Others develop cancer, asthma, depression, Parkinson's,

Alzheimers, birth defects, and other serious health conditions from the same toxic exposures that

cause MCS.

Senators Dale Miller (D-Cleveland) and Kevin Coughlin (R-Cuyahoga Falls), joint prime

sponsor, recently drafted a Bill to permanently designate May as "Multiple Chemical Sensitivity

Awareness Month" in Ohio. The Bill encourages citizens to take "Simple Steps" to remove

chemical barriers and improve the environment for MCS sufferers. Senator Miller further

encourages the State of Ohio; local governments, business, labor, and community groups; and

citizens to create and participate in activities to increase awareness of and helpful responses to

MCS.

The Ohio Network for the Chemically Injured (ONFCI), a not for profit corporation, has

advocated on behalf of those with MCS since the early 90s, facilitates educational efforts, and

provides support and networking for those with MCS. "We sincerely appreciate Senator Miller's

extensive efforts to learn about MCS, his MCS Awareness Month Bill, and his wake-up call to

those who have been disputing the validity of MCS," said ONFCI President Toni Temple.

"Green Meetings" will be held in May at the Parma Heights Branch of the Cuyahoga

County Public Library (CCPL). Speakers include ONFCI Board Member Theodore J. Esborn, a

local environmental attorney and co-producer of the PBS documentary "The Return of the

Cuyahoga." Mr. Esborn's program (WED May 6 at 7 p.m.) covers health effects caused by our

environment (from both chronic and high level exposures) and will include video excerpts from

Alison Johnson's interviews of "911" rescue workers, Gulf War victims, the Exxon Valdez

Cleanup Crew, and Victims of Hurricane Katrina (www.alisonjohnsonmcs.com). Jeff Heinen,

co-owner of Heinen's Fine Foods, will talk about "Eating Green" and food safety (WED May 13

at 7 p.m.). The Green Building Coalition will share tips on greening your home (THU May 21 at

7 p.m.). Speakers will provide a question and answer period. CCPL's 28 branches and their

administrative office building will participate in MCS Awareness Month. MCS bookmarks and

other MCS materials will be available at all branches. Some branches will display related books

and provide other information.

"Greening of the Fleets" is taking place in the Greater Cleveland Area thanks to David

R. Celebrezze of Ohio Environmental Council (OEC) who has helped cities and school districts

in writing diesel retrofit grants. "Thanks to Toni Temple of ONFCI, we have been working with

Parma Heights to retrofit two of their ambulances. In the next month, this will become a reality

and Parma Heights will be the first in the state to retrofit an ambulance," stated David R.

Celebrezze. The emission control devices will eliminate 100% of emissions from entering the

cabin and reduce tailpipe emissions by 40%.

Parma Fire Chief John French and EMS Training Captain Anthony Dalesio, are to be

congratulated for creating MCS Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) that safeguard and

accommodate those with MCS and others intolerant of diesel fumes during emergency transport.

Dr. Carl Schikowski, Parma Hospital's Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Director, issued

MCS Paramedic Protocol to prevent harm to MCS patients from known allergens, medications

and medical supplies.

We encourage you to follow Senator Miller's example and create your own "simple

steps." The MCS Senate Bill will be on display at libraries during May. Deposit your ideas in

the "Simple Step" Box at the Parma Heights Branch of CCPL before May 31 or mail it to

ONFCI , P.O. Box 29290, Parma, OH 44129. A prize will be awarded for the best idea.

For further information about MCS visit our website at www.ohionetwork.org . Contact

OEC about grant information for diesel retrofits for your city's fleet at (614) 487-7506, Ext 115.

For further information and to register for CCPL's Green Meetings at the Parma Heights Branch,

call (440) 884-2313. Those with MCS and their supporters can contact their Ohio Senator to ask

for co-sponsorship or support of Senator Miller and Coughlin's MCS Bill. Libraries can provide

contact information for your senator.

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