Interviews
In the summer of 2022, Breathe Providence team member Olivia McClain conducted a series of interviews across the city. These discussions, transcribed below, offer personalized takes from local experts on environmental and human health, policy, and community advocacy.
Andrew Saal, Chief Medical Officer of the Providence Community Health Centers
“Just because something is in someone else’s backyard doesn’t mean you aren’t breathing it. Proximity matters—and air pollution doesn’t check the map before drifting on the breeze.”
Dwayne Keys, President of the South Providence Neighborhood Association
“Of course we’ve got issues with air quality, it’s a no-brainer. But I think over time, now I’m starting to see—particularly with the Port of Providence—it’s not by accident.”
Elder González Trejo, Sustainability Policy Associate for the City of Providence
"Helping folks foster a sense of environmental consciousness can be difficult, but not impossible. I know that investing in community and putting forth an authentic and intentional effort can bring change."
Makeba Hardy Thomas, Former RIDEM Chief of Staff
“We have laws in place that will hopefully protect a lot of us but it takes a strong community to be informed.”
Ashley Fogarty, Program Manager of the RI Asthma Control Program
“Many think the asthma program is just about chronic disease, but it actually connects so many more things like environmental health, climate change, health equity, and social justice.”