Dayton, OH – The Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission will celebrate National Air Quality Awareness Week, May 3 – May 7, 2021, in partnership with the U.S. EPA and Air Now. This year's theme is "Healthy Air – Important for Everyone!". Follow the hashtag #AQAW2021 and #HealthyAir on MVRPC’s Facebook and Twitter pages for posts each day related to air quality in the Region. We will share facts to educate readers about air quality and tips for how they can take action to reduce air pollution.

“Now that more people are returning to work, school and everyday activities, it is important we continue the progress of improving air quality in the Region,” stated MVRPC’s Executive Director, Brian O. Martin. "Air Quality Awareness Week is an opportunity to learn more.”

MVRPC partners with the Regional Air Pollution Control Agency (RAPCA) on air quality issues. RAPCA is responsible for monitoring and reporting air quality readings in Montgomery, Greene, Miami, Preble, and Clark Counties. On days when air pollution levels are forecasted to be high, an Air Quality Alert (AQA) will be issued. Poor air quality affects everyone; however, some individuals are particularly sensitive to air pollutants, including children and adults who are active outdoors, the elderly, and those with chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma. It’s especially important on these days that the elderly, young children and those with breathing problems modify behavior and limit outdoor time. Visit MiamiValleyAir.org or call 937.223.6323 for more information.

Established in 1964, the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission promotes collaboration among communities, stakeholders, and residents to advance regional priorities. MVRPC is a forum and resource where the Board of Directors identifies priorities and develops public policy and collaborative strategies to improve quality of life throughout the Miami Valley Region. MVRPC performs various regional planning activities, including air quality, water quality, transportation, land use, research and GIS. As the designated Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), MVRPC is responsible for transportation planning in Greene, Miami and Montgomery Counties and parts of northern Warren County. MVRPC's areawide water quality planning designation encompasses five (5) counties: Darke, Preble plus the three MPO counties.

For additional information, contact Stacy Schweikhart, MVRPC’s Director of Strategy and Engagement, at (937) 223-6323 or sschweikhart@mvrpc.org.