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Southern Jamaica Plain Health Center (SJPHC) recently displayed the work of five teenage photographers at the opening of the Viewfinders photo exhibit entitled “Take My Breath Away:
A Youth Photo-essay of Commonly Overlooked Asthma Triggers.” Part of the South Street Initiative, Viewfinders is a structured, after-school academic enrichment and leadership development program in which youth residents of the South Street public housing development use photography to focus and sharpen their view of the world around them.
The June 16 exhibit consisted of 14 photos showing asthma triggers including dust, mold, cigarette smoke, and diesel fumes, among others. Each youth photographer worked with Rachel Kulick, Neal-dra Osgood and Alice Rouse to select their best photographs, printing and mounting each picture to be displayed. The opening included a short program and reception.
“Viewfinders allows youth residents of the South Street development to enhance self-expression while learning about specific aspects of health and the environment,” said Tom Kieffer, MPH, executive director of the SJPHC. “They have the opportunity to explore how health and environmental issues affect their community, while also incorporating time for academic study and tutoring. It’s a wonderful program.”
The South Street Initiative is a joint program of the SJPHC, the Jamaica Plan Tree of Life/Arbol de Vida and the residents of the South Street public housing development to improve the health of South Street residents. It is funded through the support of both Partners and BWH Community Benefits.