The Center for Health, Environment & Justice

Since its founding in 2015, the Texas Health and Environment Alliance (THEA) has worked relentlessly to protect the health of Texas communities impacted by toxic pollution. From securing the full cleanup of the San Jacinto River Waste Pits to empowering residents across East Harris County and beyond, THEA has been a trusted partner for families facing environmental threats. We’ve stood with neighbors, challenged agencies, and fought for solutions that put people’s health first.

Now, THEA is growing and carrying forward a national legacy that helped launch the environmental movement in America.

In 2026, THEA became the new home of the Center for Health, Environment & Justice (CHEJ), a pioneering organization founded by Lois Gibbs after her fight to relocate families from Love Canal, one of the worst toxic disasters in U.S. history. CHEJ’s work has empowered thousands of communities across the country for over 40 years, helping to pass laws, close dangerous sites, and train local leaders in how to organize and win.

THEA has been entrusted with this legacy. CHEJ is a national program of THEA, allowing us to expand our reach while preserving the deeply community-rooted approach that both organizations share.

At the heart of this transition is our founder and executive director, Jackie Medcalf. Like Lois Gibbs, Jackie’s activism began close to home. After learning that her family’s well water was contaminated, she dedicated her life to environmental health advocacy. That personal fight led her to establish THEA, build broad coalitions, and take bold action to secure long-overdue cleanups.

Jackie’s leadership is a natural extension of the values CHEJ has embodied since its beginnings.

THEA will continue its strong focus on Texas communities. Our commitment to, the Houston–Galveston region and other impacted areas remains unchanged. But with CHEJ’s legacy and resources now part of our base, we’re expanding our ability to help communities across the country confront toxic threats and secure lasting change.

Together, THEA and CHEJ will offer a unique blend of local action and national experience equipping grassroots leaders with the tools, training, and support to protect their families and creating lasting change in their communities.

This is more than a passing of the torch from one generation to the next. It’s a merging of shared missions, rooted in the belief that every person deserves a safe place to live, clean air to breathe, and water free from toxic chemicals.

We are honored to carry this legacy forward. And we’re excited to continue growing alongside the people and communities we serve here in Texas and across the country.

If you’d like to learn more about this transition, please reach out. We’ll be sharing updates and opportunities as this new chapter unfolds.