A local doctor with a history of advocating for reducing children’s exposure to toxins and chemicals is being recognized for his efforts. Dr. Steven Feder of Edgecomb will receive the Bettie Kettell Award for Medical Professional Leadership on Dec. 9 during the Environmental Health Strategy Center’s annual award ceremony. 

The EHSC is a Portland-based advocacy group promoting policies to phase out most toxic chemicals from household goods and baby products. In a press release, the organization called Feder a “public health champion for young people.” He has advocated reducing children’s exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates which can effect development in the womb.

In 2010, Feder became president of the Maine chapter of American Academy of Pediatrics. He has testified several times before the Maine legislature arguing against the use of BPA and phthalates. BPA is a chemical stabilizer found in plastics and aluminum can linings. The chemical preserves freshness in pre-packaged products. Phthalates is a chemical used in the production of perfumes and other fragrances. 

Feder, 51, has practiced medicine for 22 years. He works at Lincoln Health Medical Partners in Boothbay Harbor and Damariscotta. He has been a longtime advocate for children’s health issues. “I have always had an interest in environmental medicine. That interest was sparked by treating children exposed to lead poisoning and exposure to other dangerous toxins,” he said.

The award is named after Bettie Cornise Detjean Kettell, R.N. She was an operating room nurse for more than 40 years. The EHSC describes her as “a fierce advocate for environmental health in Maine and nationwide.” Kettell retired in 2012 and lived in Durham until her death in 2015. 

Feder is honored to receive the award named after a person he knew. “I’m really pleased to receive this. I knew Bettie for several years. She was very active in the field. I am honored by this,” he said.

The EHSC will present the award at 5:30 p.m. during its 2016 Celebration for Healthy Families awards at O’Maine Studios located on 54 Danforth Street in Portland. Other recipients include Andy Igrejas, executive director of Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families, a Washington, D.C.-based organization. He will receive the Frank Hatch Environmental Health Leadership Award. James Chittum, director of business development at Grow-Tech, LLC., in South Portland will receive the Sustainable-Business Leadership Award. And Regina Creeley, a retired teacher who taught special eduction in Old Town for 30 years, will receive the Grassroots Leadership Award.

More information about the award ceremony and EHSC’s work can be found online at www.ourhealthyfuture.org.