At a glance
Each region of the United States experiences climate change and its impacts on health differently. Read about success stories in the Northwest.
Oregon Health Authority
Wildfire smoke and water insecurity disproportionately impact people of color, tribal, and communities of lower income. The Oregon Health Authority’s (OHA’s) Public Health Division identified the power of community partners and recognized CBOs as part of Oregon’s public health system. Oregon provided technical assistance, tools, and evaluation to local public health agencies (LPHAs), community-based organizations (CBOs), and Tribes implementing community-led adaptation actions to improve resilience to wildfire smoke and water insecurity. As a result of their work, 38 CBOs and 36 LPHAs have received assistance in advancing climate equity, building community resilience, and implementing climate adaptation actions.
Washington State Department of Health
More frequent wildfires in Washington have led to increased respiratory illness. Smoke events from 2004-2009 were associated with a 7.2% increase in respiratory hospital admission among adults over 65 in the Western United States. Through mini-grants received from the CDC via the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE), the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA), and the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO), Washington assessed climate change and respiratory health trends and developed best practices for wildfire communications outreach. They also tested the utility of low-cost air quality sensors during wildfires. Overall, Washingtonians are better informed about wildfires through improved communication before, during, and after wildfire events, leading to reduced exposure to wildfire smoke.
Lummi Nation
Rising water temperatures increase the potential for toxic harmful algal blooms (HABs), which can be fatal to both humans and wildlife. The Lummi Nation (located in what is now called Washington State) developed plans to protect their community from HABs and toxins in shellfish. This included hazard communication activities and assessment of local community needs. This work has been supported by several mini-grants from CDC via the National Indian Health Board (NIHB).
Swinomish Indian Tribal Community
Tribal populations are experiencing climate impacts first and worst in the Pacific Northwest. Many have experienced an increase in the effects of climate change, including storm surges, flooding, erosion from wind and wave actions, and impacts on Tribal fisheries resources. In 2017, utilizing mini-grants from CDC via the National Indian Health Board (NIHB), the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community (located in what is now called Washington State) created the “Swinomish Climate Change Health Impact Assessment and Action Plan” by tailoring CDC’s BRACE framework using Swinomish-specific health values, definitions, and priorities. They documented and shared the process with other Tribes (i.e., through educational materials) so that they may be better informed to move forward with their impact assessment and action plans.
Clackamas County Public Health, Oregon
Clackamas County Public Health partnered with multiple neighboring counties (Multnomah County Health Department and Washington County Public Health) to form a regional collaboration. Together, they developed a comprehensive climate change and health impact assessment report and an accompanying data visualization tool for the Portland metropolitan region. The project involved the engagement of stakeholders to ensure the inclusion of local needs. The assessment data will drive policy efforts related to climate change and highlight how social determinants are the primary driver of climate vulnerability. Clackamas County has been supported with several mini-grants by CDC via the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA), and the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO).
Seattle-King County, Washington
Wildfire smoke is a routine hazard in the Pacific Northwest that disproportionately affects people with pre-existing health conditions. With support through a 2022 mini-grant from CDC via the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO), Seattle-King County introduced a pilot program, Clean Air Ambassadors, to educate the community about the importance of indoor air quality. By educating the community, this program reduces health disparities in frontline communities.