The role of EPA grants and partnerships in confronting public health threats

The mission of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Pesticide Programs is to protect human health and the environment, as well as realize the value of pesticides in America. These three goals come together when fighting vector-borne diseases such as Lyme disease and West Nile virus. The Agency is utilizing partnership programs and grants to advance the management of these public health threats. Working with key partners in the Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program, EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs has been educating the public and decision-makers on the role of habitats and pesticides in confronting these public health threats. While the Agency’s role continues to evolve, it is clear that public health pest management is a priority. Some combination of encouraging the appropriate use of repellents, habitat management (including integrated vegetation management), better focused integrated pest management research, and leveraging public/private partnerships will be the likely set of tools for EPA to address these issues.