The University of Nevada, Reno Extension Radon Education Program has diverse and interested audiences for radon education. Christine Kelly, Program Manager, explained:
“We’ve switched from general public education to a more targeted approach with influential groups; realtors, civic leaders, health professionals. The approach is for them to first test and then encourage others within their sphere of influence. It’s been very impactful!”.
In May and June, presentations were made to several organizations and group activities including:
• Candidate discussion luncheon and candidate debates
• Better Home and Garden Drakulich Real Estate CE Class
• Soroptimist Luncheon
• Special Vehicle Unit Washoe County Search and Rescue
The candidate luncheon and debates included groups of more than 100 people including the Candidates for the Assembly of the State of Nevada. Chris spoke with each candidate about the importance of radon education. One of the candidates is a medical doctor and another a geologist. Both were interested in having follow-up conversations about saving lives in Nevada. At the debates, a discussion focused on the issues facing the State of Nevada including the quality of the air due to forest fires. This led into discussions about lung health and the high levels of radon throughout the state of Nevada. Chris was invited to be a radio guest to educated Nevadans about the dangers of elevated radon levels.
At the real estate class, three realtors and one mortgage officer were in attendance. Chris was asked to return next month to teach the realtors who were unable to attend. As a result of the class, the mortgage officer asked if they could be an additional site for the public to pick up test kits.
The Soroptimist Luncheon Chris was introduced as the Program Manager and was invited to speak at a future event.
At the Special Vehicle Unit meeting, Chris presented a radon education class to the members of Washoe County Search and Rescue, Special Vehicle Unit. There were 20 volunteers in attendance and most have never heard about radon. Chris focused the class on the high levels of radon found in the Reno area and the need for the volunteers to first test their homes and then encourage others within their sphere of influence. The attendees committed to testing and 20 test kits were given out. Following the class, Dr. Kelly of Balanced Health Solutions offered to carry test kits at his office. Chris arranged for a training for his staff and dropped off some short-term test kits. Now Sparks, Nevada residents have easier access to radon test kits. Balanced Health Solutions was added as a pick-up location in Sparks, Nevada.
Source: Articles by Christine Kelly published in Nevada Radon Report, Vol. 19, Quarter 4, FY 2022, March – June 2022
Contact:
Christine Kelly
Program Manager
Nevada Radon Education Program
University of Nevada, Reno Extension
4955 Energy Way
Reno, NV 89502
775-336-0252 (office)
775-843-6824 (cell)
chrisk@unr.edu
United States