Green & Healthy Homes Initiative

06/02/2026

This morning, GHHI welcomed visitors from the
Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships (NEEP) Summit in Baltimore on a site visit to the all-electric home of Ms. Frazier. Guests learned about Ms. Frazier’s experience with GHHI’s electrification, solar, aging-in-place, and home rehabilitation programs.

As a member of GHHI’s community advisory board, Ms. Frazier has helped advise GHHI and educate members of her community about the opportunities and long -term impacts of whole-house interventions and electrification.

05/27/2026

As GHHI continues the good fight for affordable and efficient energy for low- and moderate-income communities, we are proud of Justin Barry, Director of Energy Initiatives at GHHI, for representing our work and the families we serve at the EmPOWER Maryland hearings at the Maryland Public Service Commission.

As discussions continue on proposed changes to EmPOWER, GHHI raised appropriate concerns about attempts to weaken standards that help protect residents from high energy burdens: “We worry that the utilities are asking them to use a less robust, less rigorous process that would further reduce the goals beyond what's needed.” - Justin Barry

Our President and CEO, Ruth Ann Norton, also emphasized: “With Maryland residents worried about the rising cost of housing, healthcare, and energy, it is critical for the State to act to prioritize upgrades in EmPOWER for homes to deliver clean heat, healthy homes, and lower utility bills.”

Read more:

Maryland utility regulators are debating whether to make changes to a program that incentivizes energy efficiency and conservation efforts.

05/23/2026

Lead poisoning is often called a “silent” danger because the symptoms can look like everyday problems or common illnesses. People may feel tired, irritable, have headaches, or stomach pain without realizing lead could be the cause.

You also can’t see, smell, or taste lead in water, food, or old paint. The only reliable way to know if someone has been exposed is through a blood lead test.

Many people don’t realize that there is no safe level of lead exposure. Even very small amounts can permanently harm the brain and nervous system, especially in children. Because symptoms are often mild or delayed, lead can build up in the body over time—especially in the bones—without a person knowing.
Mayo clinic

05/22/2026

Extreme heat is the deadliest weather hazard in America, and it's hitting the hardest in communities that can least afford it. Our new policy brief lays out what we can do about it.

Read the framework: https://www.greenandhealthyhomes.org/publication/extreme-heat-health-and-housing-a-framework-for-resilient-homes-and-healthy-communities/

Extreme heat poses growing risks to public health in the United States, particularly for vulnerable populations. Heat waves are already deadlier than any other weather hazard, and the frequency of … Continued

05/22/2026

What an incredible day at the 9th Annual Maryland Asthma Summit! Yesterday at UMBC, clinicians, advocates, community leaders, and public health champions came together for a powerful day of learning, collaboration, and impact. From conversations on asthma in rural and immigrant communities, to schools, gas stoves, and housing — every session reminded us why this work matters.

A heartfelt THANK YOU to our amazing speakers, partners, and attendees who made this day possible, including the Maryland Department of Health, Baltimore City Health Department,Baltimore County Department of Health and Human Services, Prince George's County Health Department, Maryland, and all of our incredible community partners. 💚

Here's to 9 years of advancing asthma care across Maryland, and many more to come!

05/22/2026

Extreme heat is a growing public health challenge — but communities can take action.

You can help by:
✅ Sharing heat safety resources
✅ Supporting local preparedness efforts
✅ Checking on vulnerable neighbors
✅ Advocating for community cooling solutions
✅ Promoting climate and health policies

Extreme heat days are expected to increase in the future. While Maryland has some great policies in place to protect residents from the effects of extreme heat, there is more we can do to ensure all Marylanders are safe from extreme heat in the future.

Learn more about what’s already being done and what more you can do.

05/20/2026

Not all people are affected equally by the heat. Children, people over 65, pregnant people, people on certain medications or with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, unhoused people, outdoor workers, and athletes are especially vulnerable to heat-related illness.

Learn more about the specific risks these vulnerable populations face and how to keep them safe.

https://www.healthyclimatemaryland.org/2026-heat-awareness-week

05/19/2026

This , we reaffirm our commitment to advancing healthy, safe, and energy-efficient homes where children can breathe easier, miss fewer school days, and families can thrive. Don't miss out on our 9th Annual Maryland Asthma Summit!

Save your spot: https://eventbrite.com/e/9th-annual-maryland-asthma-summit-tickets-1984822974948?aff=oddtdtcreator

Join us at the 9th Annual Maryland Asthma Summit! We'll be uniting clinicians, advocates, and health leaders to improve asthma care and outcomes across Maryland.

This collaborative event features the latest research, best practices, and innovative strategies to advance asthma prevention and management, especially in communities disproportionately affected.

Learn more and register here: https://bit.ly/4u7fbJq

In partnership: Maryland Department of Health Baltimore City Health Department UMBC Prince George's County Health Department, Maryland Baltimore County Department of Health and Human Services

05/19/2026

Since it gets hotter gradually over the summer, it can be hard to recognize when heat exposure becomes dangerous. But summer temperatures are already here – by understanding how serious the effects of extreme heat can be and preparing early, you can keep yourself and your family, friends, and neighbors safe. Know your risk, stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay indoors.

Heat Safety Tips for Maryland Summers:
💧 Drink water regularly
🧢 Wear lightweight clothing
🏠 Stay in cool or air-conditioned spaces
🌳 Take breaks in the shade
🚫 Never leave children or pets in vehicles
📱 Check on neighbors and older adults

Small actions can prevent serious heat-related illness.

Access today’s Heat Safety toolkit and shareable resources here:
https://www.healthyclimatemaryland.org/s/Heat-Week-Day-2.pdf

05/18/2026

Today, the Green & Healthy Homes Initiative joins its partners Healthy Climate Maryland, where our President and CEO, Ruth Ann Norton chairs the Board, the Maryland Public Health Association (MdPHA), and the American Public Health Association to lift up education and engagement on the perils of Extreme Heat on the health of our communities.

We are grateful to Governor Wes Moore for proclaiming May 18 to 22, 2026 as Extreme Heat Week in Maryland - and for charging the Maryland Department of Emergency Management- MDEM and Maryland Department of Health to strengthen our collective preparedness and response efforts for our communities.

Heat waves are already the deadliest weather-related events in the United States, and they are becoming more frequent and severe. Extreme heat is a "silent killer" that can worsen asthma, COPD, and other chronic health conditions, and is especially dangerous for families living in older housing, young children, older adults, and other vulnerable populations.

GHHI is working to address the risk of high heat in Maryland homes by weatherizing and insulating, installing heat pumps that provide efficient electric cooling and heating, and sealing air systems so that they work more effectively while using less energy.