2024 WPSR Annual Report
We are grateful for your support that has empowered us to make meaningful progress addressing the climate crisis, the threat posed by nuclear weapons, and economic injustice. The challenges we face are immense and the need for action has never been more urgent. WPSR’s 2024 annual report focuses on our achievements and efforts towards addressing these causes.
Dear Friends of WPSR,
It’s been a busy, important, and productive year for Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility (WPSR). As we navigate myriad threats to peace, a healthy climate, and economic justice, WPSR remains steadfast in addressing these existential risks. Whether advocating against nuclear weapons, standing up to the fossil fuel industry, or promoting equitable health policies, we continue to champion the health voice as a powerful tool for change.
This year, we witnessed the impact of our tenacity: from lobbying efforts that shifted Congressional positions on nuclear weapons, to mobilizing health professionals in support of progressive housing and taxation policies, to defeating initiatives that threatened our state’s climate investments. These achievements are a testament to the dedication of our staff, volunteers, and supporters like you.
Yet, the challenges remain urgent. The dangers of nuclear weapons, the climate crisis, and economic inequities demand our unwavering focus and action. This annual report offers a snapshot of how, with your partnership, we are making a difference. As we look ahead to 2025, we are ready to build on these successes to foster peace, justice, and health for all.
In solidarity,
Max Savishinsky, MPA, MAIS, EdD
Executive Director, WPSR
Our Mission
WPSR is a health professional-led advocacy organization dedicated to creating a healthy, just, peaceful, and sustainable world. As the Washington state chapter of Physicians for Social Responsibility, we focus on addressing the gravest threats to human health and survival: nuclear weapons, economic inequity, and the climate crisis.
For over 40 years, our health voices have educated the public, influenced decision-makers, and championed policies that support peace, justice, and health. We believe that:
The climate crisis is the greatest existential threat to human health and survival, requiring urgent action to reduce emissions and protect vulnerable communities.
Economic inequity drives poor health outcomes and affects everyone. Healthier, more equal societies are achievable through systemic change.
Nuclear weapons pose an immediate and catastrophic threat to life, with Washington State playing a central role as a nuclear “ground zero.”
Together, through advocacy, education, and direct action, we amplify the trusted health voice to address these challenges and inspire hope for a better future.
2024 Highlights
Climate and Health
In 2024, our Climate and Health Task Force championed climate policies, and expanded our work to address emerging climate and health challenges, pioneered new research on fossil fuels, and grew the our Task Force to record numbers. In 2025, we’ll build on recent success by deepening our focus on reducing emissions, on improving indoor and outdoor air quality for healthier communities and reducing the adverse climate impacts of the healthcare sector.
The climate crisis is the defining public health challenge of our time. In 2024, WPSR’s Climate & Health program advanced innovative policies, expanded research, and strengthened community advocacy.
Policy Leadership:
Played a pivotal role in defeating Initiative 2117, which threatened the Climate Commitment Act.
Secured healthcare representation in Washington’s Comprehensive Climate Action Plan.
Research and Tools:
Published first-of-its-kind research mapping health risks near fossil fuel infrastructure, including pipeline expansions like GTN Xpress.
Advocated for reducing emissions from healthcare settings, including anesthetic gases.
Community Impact:
Grew the Climate & Health Task Force by 75%, with members participating in 59 comment letters, 9 public testimonies, and multiple high-profile events statewide.
Addressed climate-related mental health impacts and the public health risks of extreme weather through education and outreach.
Economic Inequity and Health
In 2024, our Economic Inequity and Health Task Force advocated for progressive taxation and for housing justice with testimony, earned media, presentations, and more. We worked in coalition to protect and improve the health of communities by addressing economic and racial inequity. In 2025, we’ll keep growing efforts for a more equitable tax code and stronger tenant protections to keep Washingtonians housed, healthy and economically secure.
Economic inequity is a major driver of poor health outcomes. WPSR’s Economic Inequity & Health program focused on addressing structural inequities through advocacy and public education.
Advocacy for Equity:
Championed progressive taxation and tenant protections, helping preserve Washington’s long-term care program and capital gains tax.
Testified 8 times before policymakers on the connections between taxation and health.
Shifting the Narrative:
Hosted events highlighting the intersections of financial health, mental health, and housing justice.
Task Force members authored op-eds and letters to the editor, emphasizing the health implications of structural inequities.
Building Community:
Partnered with diverse coalitions to amplify health voices in economic justice advocacy.
Engaged over 1,000 people through educational campaigns and calls to action.
Nuclear Weapons Abolition
In 2024, our Nuclear Weapons Abolition Task Force continued to leverage the health voice against the looming danger posed by nuclear weapons, and the social cost of the runaway weapons. Several of our members traveled around the state speaking to public officials, Boards of Health, and a myriad of others about the nuclear threat. In 2025, we will continue to grow the WPSR-led WANW Coalition to promote peace and nuclear justice for all.
Washington is home to nearly 25% of the United States’ nuclear arsenal, placing our state at the heart of one of humanity’s gravest threats. WPSR’s Nuclear Weapons Abolition program led the charge against these existential risks, making a significant impact through advocacy and education.
Advocacy:
Lobbied 10 members of Congress in 13 meetings to oppose nuclear weapons spending.
Organized Tax Day to Earth Day, leading 16 events in 9 congressional districts to highlight the social costs of weapons spending.
Community Engagement:
Produced 33 community presentations on nuclear disarmament.
Hosted 3 statewide showings of the International Uranium Film Festival.
Facilitated a visit from the historic Golden Rule ship to ports across Washington, raising awareness about nuclear disarmament.
Education:
Trained students in nuclear advocacy at all Washington medical schools.
Published articles and opinion pieces across prominent media outlets, amplifying the health perspective on nuclear justice.
Cross-Program Achievements
Ballot Initiatives Defeated: Collaborated across task forces to defeat three harmful ballot measures (2109, 2117, and 2124) that posed risks to public health and climate progress.
Statewide Leadership: Represented health voices at high-profile events, including a rally with Governors Jay Inslee and Gavin Newsom against harmful climate policies.
Public Recognition: Earned awards like the SEIU 775 Community Leadership Award for advocacy on progressive housing policies.
By the numbers
Our People
Our Work
Ballot initiatives defeated
214
Gala Attendees
157
New WPSR Members
Governors in our office
5,500
Supporters
2
3
16
Congressional meetings
Letter writing campaigns
102
Leaders Trained
83
114
2,492
Volunteer Task Force Members
Actions taken
WPSR in the news
“Our tax code is upside down and broken” (The Olympian), June 2024, Charles Mayer
“Let’s honor the past but bid farewell to the Blue Angels” (The Seattle Times), August 2024, Dr. Breck Lebegue
“WA’s long-term care benefit got an important upgrade, but the program is also under threat” (Washington State Standard), March 14, 2024, Staff Writer
“Small crowd in Renton protests nuclear arms, military spending” (Renton Reporter), February 2024
“California governor visits Seattle for rally against ballot measure that aims to undo climate efforts” (GeekWire), October 2024,
“Initiative 2117 is dangerous to your health” (The Stranger), October 14, 2024, Dr. Ken Lans
“Letters for Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024” (The Spokesman-Review), February 25, 2024, Letters to the Editor
“Affordable Home Act provides essential relief” (Yakima Herald), November 2024, Guest Editorial
“Tax system implications for public health” (The Seattle Times), January 2024, Letters to the Editor
“The soaring cost of climate change denial, delay, and distraction” (Post Alley), November 6, 2024, Staff Writer
At WPSR, our strength lies in our people—health professionals, volunteers, partners, and supporters who are committed to building a healthier, more equitable, and peaceful world. Together, we amplify the health voice across Washington state, advocating for meaningful change and inspiring hope.
Task Forces and Leadership
Our community is driven by three program-specific task forces—Nuclear Weapons Abolition, Climate & Health, and Economic Inequity & Health. Each task force is composed of dedicated healthcare professionals and community members who collaborate to create annual strategies encompassing advocacy, education, direct action, and media outreach.
Partnering for Change
Collaboration is at the heart of our efforts. WPSR works closely with coalitions and partner organizations to strengthen our collective impact. Whether lobbying in Congress, hosting community events, or influencing public discourse, our community ensures that health remains a central voice in conversations about the most pressing issues of our time.
A Special Tribute: Honoring Dr. David C. Hall III
This year, we honor the life and legacy of Dr. David C. Hall III, a beloved friend and extraordinary advocate for peace, justice, and health.
Dr. Hall was a conscientious objector during the Vietnam War, a psychiatrist, and a lifelong champion for nuclear disarmament. Joining WPSR in 1979, he dedicated over four decades to advancing our mission. From serving as chapter president of WPSR to leading the national Physicians for Social Responsibility board, Dr. Hall’s commitment to abolishing nuclear weapons and fostering a healthier world inspired generations of activists.
In 2023, WPSR recognized Dr. Hall’s extraordinary contributions with its Lifetime Achievement Award. His enduring passion also extended to the Ground Zero Center for Nonviolent Action, where he and his wife Anne were longstanding members, advocating against nuclear-armed submarines at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor.
Dr. Hall’s legacy lives on through the young people he inspired and the movement he nurtured. Gifts made in his honor will support future advocates carrying forward his work for peace and a sustainable planet.
“David Hall was more than an activist—he was a healer and a peacemaker. His unwavering dedication to justice serves as a guiding light for all of us at WPSR.”
Our Community
Fiscal
In 2024, we prioritized investments in:
Expanding research and advocacy for climate-health impacts.
Training health professionals to amplify their voices in policymaking.
Strengthening coalition-building efforts across Washington state.
Every contribution makes a difference. In 2024, your generosity helped us:
Mobilize over 5,500 health professionals across key issues.
Host impactful events, including advocacy trainings and community discussions.
Produce groundbreaking research and tools, such as the fossil fuel infrastructure health risk map.
Support Our Work
Together, we can continue to create meaningful change. Your support is vital to sustaining WPSR's advocacy and impact.