"The life of every child born today will be profoundly affected by climate change. Without accelerated intervention, this new era will come to define the health of people at every stage of their lives." - The 2019 Report of the Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change

Image Source: Bennett Kissel, MD
The Wildfire Response Psychological First Aid Training, and the Urban Wildfire Response and Recovery Webinar Series will provide basic and practical skills to help those impacted by wildfires with acute stress responses, and focus on the physical health, mental health and social impacts of wildfires.
View and register for webinars
"Tackling climate change could be the greatest global health opportunity of the 21st century" -The Lancet Commission on Health and Climate Change

Image: Global Climate Strike in September 2019 (Image Source: Bennett Kissel)
Education is an essential element of the global response to climate change - Climate Change Education for Sustainable Development Programme, UNESCO.

Image: University of California-wide Climate and Health Education Faculty Development Initiative
UCSF Director of Sustainability, Gail Lee addresses the audience at the Annual Sustainability Awards recognizing faculty and staff contributions
UCSF Students and Faculty Meeting with Senator Feinstein's Office to discuss climate policy
"The climate crisis is a health crisis: Medicine must reckon with the coming catastrophe" by Cyril Manning, UCSF Magazine
https://www.ucsf.edu/magazine/climate-crisis-health-crisis

Harnessing the health sector’s expertise and leadership to advance equitable climate action.

Taking action on climate change is one of the most powerful health interventions of our time. We work to generate and uplift climate solutions that foster healthy and equitable communities and a healthier planet for future generations.

Dear CCHE Community,

Our beautiful state of California is currently facing a severe wildfire crisis that has brought widespread devastation and heartache to many communities in the Los Angeles area and beyond. 

First and foremost, we are sending peace and strength to those who have been directly affected. The loss of homes, the displacement of families and communities, and the impact on our natural environment are truly heartbreaking. We stand in solidarity with all who are impacted, including the dedicated response and recovery teams that are tirelessly working to extinguish the fires and provide critical support to those in need.  

Here are some immediate steps that we in the healthcare and health science communities can take to support those affected:

Be a broker of information:

  • Distribute educational materials about the health risks associated with wildfire smoke and resources on how to protect oneself and others from wildfire smoke, including vulnerable groups like the elderly, children, pregnant women, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions. 
  • Advocate for and help set up clean air shelters or safe zones equipped with air purifiers and HVAC systems that filter out smoke particles.
  • Advocate for and ensure the availability of PPE, such as N95 masks, for both healthcare workers and the general public during wildfire events.
  • Share available resources including mental health support with those who have lost their home or business to the wildfires. Please stay tuned for updated mental health resources updated here.

Patient care and support of disproportionately impacted groups: 

  • Expand telehealth services to provide medical and mental health consultations during wildfire events when air quality is poor, and travel may be hazardous.  We are trying to coordinate both with a UC-wide group of therapists and with some local clinics in LA region, so stay tuned for possible volunteer opportunities.
  • Ensure that healthcare providers are trained in recognizing and treating conditions exacerbated by wildfire smoke, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
  • Inform patients – especially those with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions – about the specific risks they face and protective measures they should take during wildfire events.
  • Identify and provide additional support to vulnerable populations, including the elderly, children, pregnant women, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions.

Volunteer:

It’s important that we remember that wildfires are exacerbated by the climate crisis. We must continue our efforts to combat climate change by advocating for sustainable policies and practices. Support legislation that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote renewable energy. Conduct and support research on the health impacts of wildfire smoke and effective mitigation strategies. Push for increased funding for climate emergency preparedness and public health infrastructure.

CCHE remains committed to addressing the intersection of climate change and health equity. We will continue to work tirelessly to promote policies, research, and initiatives that protect both our environment and the health of our communities.

Thank you for your ongoing support and dedication to these critical issues. We hope that together, we can navigate these difficult times and build a more resilient future.