Environmental Health Program
The Environmental Health Program at Children’s Mercy is a nationally recognized program that provides environmental health consulting, patient case management, research, education, training, and analytical services. Our team aims to help improve and advocate for the health of individuals with environmentally triggered illnesses.
Healthy Home Program
The Healthy Home Program is a partnership between our staff, your healthcare provider, and you to help identify and reduce environmental exposures that may cause or worsen health problems.
Learn more about the Healthy Home Program
Healthy Schools and Childcare Program
The Healthy Schools and Childcare Program helps school districts and child-care organizations develop effective strategies to improve the indoor environmental conditions in their facilities.
Learn more about how to participate in the program.
Today's Pollen Count
Children’s Mercy is certified by the National Allergy Bureau and has been collecting pollen count data daily for more than 20 years, which is provided to the community. We collect pollen, mold and particulate counts right on the roof of our downtown Kansas City hospital and share them on this site and through the AccuPollen™ Allergy Tracker app.
Environmental Health Program Services
Children's Mercy provides comprehensive pediatric environmental health services through the Mid-America Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit (MAPEHSU).
The Center for Environmental Health constantly apply for and/or participate in various grants with our community partners to help provide opportunities for families and schools to participate in environmental health programs, along with technical study grants.
Our staff developed specialty course in healthy homes and serve as instructors for the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) and for training indoor environmental professionals.
Environmental Health Program Staff
Ryan Allenbrand, MS, CIEC
Environmental Hygienist
Healthy Home Program Manager
Connie Aubin
Administrative Coordinator
Eric Bowles, REHS/RS
Environmental Hygienist
Childhood Lead Poison Prevention Program Manager
Minati Dhar, PhD
Research Associate
Environmental Health Laboratory
Anita Didonna, CCRC
Community Health Specialist
Kait Ruether, MS
Environmental Hygienist
Elizabeth Friedman MD, MPH
Medical Director
Pediatrician, Department of Pediatrics
Children’s Mercy Hospital
Luke Gard, CIEC
Environmental Hygienist
Healthy Schools Program Manager
Kevin Kennedy, MPH, CIEC
Environmental Hygienist
Environmental Health Program Director