Using the Power of Theater to Engage Children in an Environmental Justice Community

San Bernardino, California is home to the BNSF Railyard (SBR), a major commerce hub with significant emissions burdening the surrounding communities. This is considered a significant environmental justice (EJ) issue by both the local community and air quality agencies. In response about concerns of possible health impacts, two local elementary schools participated in a health outcomes study, Project ENRRICH, a community-based participatory research (CBPR) study. To promote the study and provide innovative education to the children ENRRICH team members created and produced an educational theatrical (ET) play about air quality and promoting a healthy environment. Researchers working with disadvantaged populations have published on the difficulty of encouraging their participation in research studies, an important component for driving change, especially for communities facing environmental justice (EJ) issues. Following the play, parental consents and surveys were sent home. The response was overwhelming and 75% of children participated in the health screening. Health screenings were provided included testing for airway inflammation (FENO), lung function (peak expiratory flow, PEF) and parent reported respiratory symptoms. Log-binomial regression assessed association. Study findings revealed that children attending school nearest the railyard more likely to exhibit airway obstruction with higher prevalence of abnormal PEF (<80%): Prevalence Ratio (PR) = 1.59 (95% CI: 1.19-2.12) and more likely to exhibit adverse respiratory symptoms. The results have prompted further work in promoting strategic change. ET is an effective way to engage children and their families and encourage participation in health screening studies, especially for those underserved communities in EJ settings. Future studies and support of community developed mitigation strategies will include ET components in promoting positive, sustainable change.