Respiratory Health Kits
In our North Richmond fenceline community, we feel the impacts of the fossil fuel industry on both our health and our land. The higher rates of asthma hospitalizations here are directly linked to pollution. In September 2020, our skies turned orange from California wildfires, and that same year, in March, COVID-19 forced a statewide shutdown, posing further threats to our respiratory systems. In response, Urban Tilth and the Richmond Our Power Coalition (ROPC) collaborated to support our community by creating and distributing the first Respiratory Health Kits, initially known as Fire Kits, that are now distributed annually to over 500 fenceline households during fire season.
These kits not only provide immediate relief but also educate our community about ongoing environmental challenges while fostering connections with healing herbs and natural elements carefully selected to support lung health.
This initiative embodies our commitment to mutual aid in North Richmond. With the dedication of community volunteers and Urban Tilth staff, we assemble 500 kits each year. Each kit includes:
- A herbal tea blend for respiratory support
- Herbal steam bags for congestion relief
- Herbal tinctures in glycerite base for respiratory support
- Loose tea strainer
- Informative booklet
Distribution focuses on our fenceline community, ensuring that families coping with asthma and other respiratory health issues receive the assistance they need.
Join us to collect your kit for 2025 at the following locations:
- Crescent Park: Tuesday, July 22nd, 2 pm – 4 pm
- Lucas Park: Wednesday, July 23rd, 2 pm – 4 pm
- Unity Park: Wednesday, July 23rd, 2 pm – 4 pm
- North Richmond: Friday, July 25th, 2 pm – 4 pm