A special event for Spokane-area health professionals to learn about protecting public health by tackling climate change.
Our rapidly changing climate is affecting the health of virtually all people, everywhere. Across Washington, hotter summers, wetter winters, and worsening fires are creating a “new normal” that involves adverse and inescapable health impacts, particularly for our less resilient communities. We are pleased to invite health professionals and others in the Spokane area to join us for a special opportunity to learn about the major aspects of climate change, how it is affecting our health in Spokane, and how health advocates are seizing the opportunity to use their voice to change policy and protect the wellbeing of their communities.
Please join us for this free event, where you will hear Spokane-area residents and experts speak to their own experiences of the ways climate is impacting health right now. Participants will connect with each other in small groups to discuss their own experiences and concerns, and learn about the concrete and impactful things people can do to effect change in their lives, in the institutions, and around the state. This is an opportunity for health-concerned people -- doctors, nurses, students of medicine, and others -- to connect with one another and organize around solutions to the things that are threatening our collective health. There will be a chance for all to engage with others in local and state-level campaigns, and to find out more about how your health voice can catalyze change.
The event will feature Dr. Matt Hollon, Governor of the Washington chapter of the American College of Physicians, speaking on the major climate concerns for community health in Spokane; Brenda Nissley (Environmental Sustainability & Waste Manager at Harborview Medical Center) will speak about successful climate initiatives within health institutions; A panel of local Spokane residents from a range of different sectors will speak about how climate change has impacted them; Nick Manning of Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility and other local Spokane leaders will talk about ways to learn, engage, advocate and make a difference when it comes to the urgent threat to health posed by climate change.