New HEI Energy Report

HEI Energy has published a new special report Roadmap to Health: Assessing Adverse and Beneficial Environmental, Social, and Economic Cumulative Exposures.

Notice of Title VI Nondiscrimination

HEI Nondiscrimination Policy and Complaint Procedure

It is the policy of the Health Effects Institute (HEI) to ensure full compliance with federal nondiscrimination laws in all programs and activities. HEI does not exclude, deny benefits to, or otherwise discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin (including limited English proficiency), sex, age, or disability in any HEI programs, services, or activities.

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (“Title VI”) prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, and national origin in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. The Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (“Section 504”) prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability by recipients of federal financial assistance.

Discrimination includes excluding an individual from participation in or denying an individual the benefits of any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance due to the individual’s race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. HEI is committed to taking reasonable steps to provide timely and meaningful access for Limited English Proficient (LEP) persons coming into contact with HEI programs, services, and activities. HEI will provide free language assistance to such persons. For more information on language assistance, contact:

Jackie Rutledge
Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator
75 Federal St Suite 1400
Boston, MA 02110
(617) 488-2300
jrutledge@healtheffects.org


Complaint and Compliance Review / Grievance Procedure

This procedure is established so that any member of the public who believes they have been subjected to discrimination in the receipt of benefits or services from HEI on the basis of race, color, national origin (including limited English proficiency), sex, age, or disability may file a complaint.

HEI’s Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator may also undertake periodic compliance reviews to assess adherence to Title VI, the ADA, Section 504, and other federal and state civil rights laws, even in the absence of a complaint. Retaliation against any person who files a complaint is strictly prohibited and will be addressed promptly.

Filing a Complaint
A complaint should be in writing and include the following information:
•    Name, address, and phone number of complainant.
•    Name of the HEI department or employee(s) against whom the complaint is filed.
•    Location, date, and description of the alleged violation.
•    Signature of the complainant or their designee.


Discrimination Complaint Form 
If you believe you have experienced discrimination, please complete the Discrimination Complaint Form and submit it to Jackie Rutledge at jrutledge@healtheffects.org

If a complainant cannot submit in writing, they may call the Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator to file verbally.

Complaints must be submitted no later than 180 calendar days after the alleged violation to the following address:

Jackie Rutledge
Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator
75 Federal St Suite 1400
Boston, MA 02110
(617) 488-2300
jrutledge@healtheffects.org

If a complaint is submitted to another HEI office or staff member, it will be forwarded to the Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator within 5 calendar days.

Investigation Process
Within 10 calendar days after receipt of the complaint, the Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator will:
•    Determine jurisdiction and send the complainant a letter acknowledging receipt and explaining next steps.
•    Notify relevant federal agencies, if applicable.
•    Begin an investigation, which may include interviews and review of documents and evidence.

HEI may attempt informal resolution through a mutually agreed solution. Absent extenuating circumstances, investigations will be completed within 30 days.

Outcomes
Within 45 calendar days of starting an investigation, the Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator will issue one of the following:
•    Closure Letter – no violation found.
•    Resolution Letter – outlines mutually agreed informal resolution.
•    Letter of Finding – describes the investigation and any required remedial actions.

Appeals
If dissatisfied, the complainant or the department may appeal to HEI’s [Executive Director or Designee] within 15 calendar days of receiving the decision. The Executive Director or Designee will review and respond within 15 calendar days of the appeal meeting.

If delays are expected, HEI will notify the complainant in writing with reasons and an updated timeline.

Recordkeeping
HEI will keep complaint records, resolutions, and related documentation for at least two (2) years and will provide annual reports on complaint activity as required.

These procedures do not limit the complainant’s right to file directly with state or federal agencies or pursue legal action.