Why Environmental Justice and Community Engagement Matter: Lessons from Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson, Health Commissioner of Philadelphia

Introduction: Why Environmental Justice and Community Leadership Are Crucial in Today’s Urban Public Health

As American cities grapple with ever-more complex public health challenges, the notion of environmental justice is rapidly shifting from a theoretical concept to a daily operational necessity for health leaders. From air quality to housing safety, who benefits from—or suffers through—policy decisions isn’t just a question of science or economics; it’s one of equity, power, and collaboration. Nowhere is this dynamic more vivid than in Philadelphia, where Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson, PhD, MPH, Health Commissioner and Deputy Health Commissioner at the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, leads initiatives that directly address the intersection of community voice, government intervention, and environmental health.
In our latest podcast, Dr. Raval-Nelson shared her journey, her philosophy of public service, and the practical mechanics behind building a healthier, more just Philadelphia. This episode offers not just insights for healthcare leaders and students, but actionable frameworks for anyone serious about transforming public health through collaboration, data, and an honest reckoning with power.

How Did Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson Become a Public Health Leader in Philadelphia?

Q: What led Dr. Raval-Nelson to her current role—and what sustains her commitment to Philadelphia?

Dr. Raval-Nelson’s path to leadership in public health was neither direct nor conventional. “So often in life it’s not about figuring out what you want to do, but rather figuring out what you don’t want to do,” she reflected. Born in India and immigrating to the U.S., she felt early pressure to choose between medicine or engineering. Yet, she found her passion in public health through a fortuitous turn: “My second day on the job I was able to remove expired infant formula from a bodega in Kensington. I fell head over heels in love with this profession… 28 years later I am Deputy Health Commissioner for the health department.”

Why remain in Philadelphia when higher pay and prestige beckoned elsewhere? For Dr. Raval-Nelson, it’s deeply personal. “Whenever I would travel… I would miss Philadelphia tremendously. This is my home. This is where I feel the safest and the most secure.”
Her commitment is reinforced by hands-on experience: “There’s nothing like walking door-to-door to food establishments during a pandemic to make sure folks are safe. There’s nothing like working side by side with our police officers and firefighters to make sure they have the safety gear and that we’re taking care of our city.”

Key Takeaways:

• Career fulfillment comes from passion, not simply from following expected paths.

• Deep roots in community and a sense of mission outweigh monetary incentives for top public health leaders.

What Does Environmental Justice Really Mean—And Why Is It Critical for Urban Health?

Q: How does Dr. Raval-Nelson define environmental justice, and why does it matter in Philadelphia?

Environmental justice is often misunderstood, dismissed as mere “tree-hugging” or confused with affirmative action. Dr. Raval-Nelson sets the record straight:
“At its core, environmental justice is about having an equitable situation where there’s equal distribution of environmental goods as well as environmental bads.”
She uses a vivid metaphor:

“If we had a group of people, all supposed to run a race… the rules are: if you are a minority you take three steps back, if you are a woman you take three additional steps back… Most folks end up so far back they can never reach the finish line, while a handful reap the rewards.”

In practice, this means:

• Environmental goods (clean air, green spaces) are often concentrated among advantaged populations.

• Environmental bads (pollution, hazardous housing, noise, lack of parks) disproportionately impact low-income and minority communities.

Dr. Raval-Nelson adds a second, often overlooked dimension:

“It’s also about creating an ideal speech situation—when we make decisions about locating an industry, a store, or a park, the community should have a say, not just the loudest voices or those with the most resources.”

Summary:

• Environmental justice means ensuring both fair distribution of environmental benefits and burdens.

• It requires designing processes that allow marginalized voices to be heard and respected in decision-making.

How Do Government and the “Free Market” Interact in Addressing Health Equity?

Q: Why can’t the free market alone ensure health equity, and what is the public sector’s unique responsibility?

Dr. Raval-Nelson answers directly:

“A free market is only a free market when it’s not being manipulated… An ideal free market is like Monopoly—everyone starts with the same resources. But real life isn’t like that. Equity means someone like myself—short, maybe I need a box to stand on so I’m at the same level as everyone else.”

She challenges the simplistic notion that “the market will sort it out.” In environmental and public health issues, existing power structures, education levels, and resources shape who gets heard and who benefits.

• Government’s role is to level the playing field—ensuring that decisions account for those who start at a disadvantage.

• Community engagement is non-negotiable:

  “Public health is defined by the public in the community. The conversation must be led by the community—what are their priorities? Then we bring in experts to match those with scientifically-supported interventions.”

List: When Should Government Step In?

1. When market forces disproportionately harm vulnerable populations.

2. When critical health resources (clean air, safe housing) aren’t equitably distributed.

3. When the process of decision-making excludes or marginalizes affected communities.

How Are Priorities and Policies Set in a City as Large as Philadelphia?

Q: How does the health department decide where to focus—and what gets delayed?

Philadelphia spans nearly 150 square miles and includes over two million residents with divergent needs. Dr. Raval-Nelson details a pragmatic, community-centered approach:

1. Start with the community:

   • “We have neighborhoods where the biggest issue is dog bites, others where it’s noise or lack of green space. We let the conversation start with the community’s voices.”

2. Expert input:

   • “We have tremendous experts who can translate those community needs into an agenda that also elevates health equity and environmental justice.”

3. Joint agenda-setting:

   • Community needs and expert guidance are synthesized through discussion and deliberation.

This approach is adaptive and dynamic. Some issues require immediate action; others must be postponed, depending on available resources and the urgency of the need.

Key Insight:
Balancing technical expertise with authentic community input ensures that public health priorities align with both evidence and lived experience.

How Is Success Measured in Public Health—Beyond Quotas and Fines?

Q: What metrics does Dr. Raval-Nelson use to determine if the department is making progress?

Measuring success in public health isn’t about meeting quotas. “For me personally, I’m a civil servant and I answer to the taxpayer. So what difference did it make?” she explains.

Dr. Raval-Nelson offers a case study:

• Air Management Services Regulation #6 (AMR6):

  • Four years of cross-sector collaboration (industry, advocates, public) resulted in a new regulation covering 287 pollutants—far more than before.

  • “We have air monitor meters hardwired around the city… We’re capturing data on PM 2.5 and Benzene. Did the levels drop after the regulation? That’s the test.”

  • Results are translated into plain language and public messaging (e.g., ozone alerts during wildfires).

• Lead Law Example:

  • All rental units now require a lead-safe certificate.

  • “As compliance increases, the number of kids getting lead poisoning decreases. Our goal: zero children poisoned.”

Dr. Raval-Nelson’s philosophy:

• Track the data relentlessly.

• Communicate progress in accessible terms.

• Stay focused on outcomes—not just activities.

Bulleted List: Measuring Public Health Impact

• Compare pre- and post-policy health indicators (e.g., air pollution, lead poisoning rates).

• Engage in continuous public reporting.

• Use real-world stories to highlight how policy changes improve daily life.

How Can Organizations and Individuals Partner with Public Health to Drive Change?

Q: What’s the best way for organizations or individuals to collaborate with the Philadelphia Department of Public Health?

Dr. Raval-Nelson’s answer is as pragmatic as it is personal:

“My staff lovingly call me Dr. Palak, and they often say, ‘Wow, you’re everywhere!’ I believe in being accessible. Sometimes we find joint collaborative moments. Sometimes the idea is better suited to another department, and I make introductions. We’re all responsible at the end of the day for this city, for where we live.”

Her advice to would-be partners:

• Reach out directly—she provides her card and email freely.

• Be ready to work:

  “Don’t complain about the snow unless you’re going to pick up a shovel next to me and start shoveling.”

• Understand that disagreements are normal, but collaboration is essential:

  “We may not always agree or always find the solution, but working together we can ultimately make whatever the scenario is better.”

For organizations seeking partnership:

• Clarify your goals and be ready for honest conversation.

• Bring your expertise, but also be prepared to listen.

• Be persistent—change is a marathon, not a sprint.

Actionable Takeaway: Collaboration, Data, and Equity Drive Urban Health Outcomes

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health, under the leadership of Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson, exemplifies how data-driven decision-making, authentic community engagement, and an unwavering commitment to equity can transform a city’s health outcomes.
For leaders in healthcare, government, or the nonprofit sector, the lesson is clear: Roll up your sleeves, invite every voice to the table, measure what matters, and never lose sight of the mission. As Dr. Raval-Nelson puts it, “Problems are solutions and workflows—we just got to roll up our sleeves and get it done.”

If you’re ready to help shape a healthier, more just future for your city, the time to start is now.