We're now in Phase II of the Mountain West Hub! Read more here
Studies
Together, Phases I and II combine community voices with applied research—grounding the work in local expertise and then testing a practical, community-driven approach to reducing indoor air pollution in West Denver and the San Luis Valley, Colorado; explore each phase below to learn more about how the study was shaped and how it is being carried out.
Phase I: Community Voices Study
Phase I of the Mountain West Climate-Health Hub focused on grounding the project in community expertise and lived experience. We convened four advisory boards with deep knowledge of the San Luis Valley, West Denver, environmental science, and public policy to explore how environmental change is affecting local communities.
Through in-depth interviews and ongoing engagement, advisory board members shared their stories, priorities, and insights to ensure the work remained accountable to community needs. These efforts culminated in Mountain West Climate-Health Hub: Community Voices, Volume 1, a foundational report that captures key lessons and guides the next phase of the project.
Phase II: DIY Indoor Air Cleaner Study
Phase II tests a community-informed solution to indoor air pollution. The study examines whether do-it-yourself (DIY) air cleaners can reduce indoor air pollution during events like wildfires and dust storms while supporting health in urban (West Denver) and rural (San Luis Valley) households. Developed in partnership with community members, the approach emphasizes practicality, ease of use, and sustainability.
Participating households receive a DIY air cleaner and contribute data on use, indoor air quality, health outcomes, and exposure indicators. The study begins with a 5-week feasibility phase to gather feedback and refine methods, followed by a 2.5-year study to evaluate long-term use, air quality improvements, and health impacts across communities.