Help Our Community Understand “Forever Chemicals”

Public Health Madison & Dane County is now accepting applications from local organizations interested in helping connect with people in their community about PFAS (per and polyfluoroalkyl substances) or “forever chemicals”.

PFAS are a group of chemicals that are widespread in the environment. Exposure to high amounts of these chemicals can cause harm to health, including high cholesterol, some types of cancer, decreased infant and fetal growth, and more.

PFAS are found in firefighting foam, stain resistant products, fast food wrappers, and non-stick cookware. Some lakes and rivers in Dane County also contain PFAS. One of the most common ways to be exposed includes eating fish from water that has PFAS in it.

The funds aim to help local organizations and programs increases awareness about PFAS and their possible health impacts and help communities take action to minimize exposure to these chemicals.

Organizations that have a strong connection to traditionally marginalized or underserved communities and people who live along or frequent Starkweather Creek and other affected waterways in the City of Madison will be strongly considered.

$30,000 in funding is available through grants provided by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The agency plans to distribute the funds to 4-6 agencies. In 2023, Public Health awarded $32,000 to four local agencies for their work in this area. Through that funding, our partners helped bring important health information to a large network of neighborhood groups in areas affected by PFAS in the water.

Applications are due by the end of the day on Friday, May 3, 2024. Find more information at publichealthmdc.com/funding.