EMBARGOED UNTIL Oct. 27, 8:30 a.m. MT
Contact: Media Relations
Climate change harms human health, and Black, Hispanic and American Indian/Alaska Native communities tend to suffer the most from it, in part due to systemic injustices.
A session to be held 8:30 a.m.-10 a.m. Mountain Time on Oct. 27 during APHA’s virtual Annual Meeting and Expo will show how health departments and environmental agencies can improve health equity and inclusion through policies and programs focused on climate justice. JEDI, which stands for Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, will be discussed as it relates to climate change’s impact on people’s health and lives. The session will feature presentations from:
- Dorette Quintana English, MA, a health program and policy specialist for the California Department of Public Health, outlining the state’s investments to improve human health and well-being in response to the climate crisis.
- Emily York, MPH, climate and health program lead for the Oregon Health Authority, explaining the state’s new Climate Equity Blueprint.
- Shasta Gaughen, PhD, environmental director of the Pala Band of Mission Indians, discussing climate and health justice in tribal communities.
- Surili Patel, MS, director of APHA’s Center for Climate, Health and Equity, discussing JEDI and the importance of climate action to promote health equity.
Add this session to your personalized schedule.
The APHA Annual Meeting and Expo is the largest and most influential yearly gathering of public health professionals. Themed “Creating the Healthiest Nation: Preventing Violence," this year’s virtual meeting will be held Oct. 24-28. Register or learn more about APHA’s 2020 Annual Meeting. Working members of the news media may register by contacting mediarelations@apha.org.
###
The American Public Health Association champions the health of all people and all communities. We are the only organization that combines a nearly 150-year perspective, a broad-based member community and the ability to influence federal policy to improve the public’s health. Learn more at www.apha.org.