Brian Drummond
May 22, 2024
MAY we all have a wonderful month as the summer is now upon us.
We welcome Sigrid to our ranks!. Thanks for joining our group. I hope to see you at an upcoming meeting!
Updates:
-Our big win this month was having a Sustainable Healthcare Committee approved by the C Suite at Banner University Medical Center South and Tucson Campuses!  We are going to be advertising for members and looking to have 20-30 people on the committee to break into working groups. We are going to be working on sustainability efforts in the hospital to reduce our healthcare carbon footprint and aiming to achieve a Joint Commission Sustainable Healthcare Certification. We are just starting out and thanks to Lisa Stoneking and Yvonne Huckleberry to help make this happen! If you work at Banner in Tucson let us know if you are interested.
-We were able to participate in a Route Zero Press Conference celebrating the improved EPA truck emission stands in Tucson and received coverage on Univision. Transportation contributes to our air pollution and increases our heat islands which affect respiratory, cardiovascular and mental health outcomes.
-Upcoming meetings with the Chief Heat Officer of Arizona Eugene Livar this month. Our members will be part of meetings with Dr. Livar to discuss messaging on heat resources, medication and heat education, and the role of climate and extreme heat. We are super excited and looking forward to the discussion.
- We signed on two different climate health coalitions.  https://www.fossilfree4health.org/. ( looking to reduce fossil fuel consumption to improve patient's health) and  https://www.ourchildrenstrust.org/save-juliana: (supporting youth in their case to be heard about the impact of climate change on their future and health)
Education information:
-Community-Driven Relocation WebinarÂ
Join the webinar "Climate Conversations: Community-Driven Relocation" on May 31, 2024, from 12:30-1:45 pm. Hosted by our partners at the National Academies, this discussion will focus on prioritizing community well-being in climate-induced relocation. Register for this event here.
-Â CHOF Application Season - Climate Health Organizing Fellowship 2025
Many folks on this list are already big fans of the Harvard CHOF fellowship hosted by the Center for Health Equity, Education, and Advocacy (CHEEA) at Cambridge Health Alliance. Applications open July 1st and the informational webinar will be Tuesday, June 4th, 6-7PM EST on Zoom. Please register here for information about the upcoming fellowship. This presentation will review the core philosophy of the program and the application process. You will also hear from past fellows about their projects. Flyer attached.Â
- Are you interested in expanding your skills in communicating about the intersections of climate change and health most effectively to catalyze action? Join us this summer for a 6-part climate communications training series! Tuesdays June 4- Aug 20th Every other week.Â
Podcast Recommendations :
New Series - We Are The Great Turning: Love, Courage, and Connection in the Climate Crisis. Join eco-spiritual teacher Joanna Macy and activist Jess Serrante as they explore how to stay joyful and energized in the face of the climate crisis.
Recent episode from Think 100%: The Coolest Show - Some really great conversation about taking care of yourself and dynamics of working across generations for climate justice.Â
News:
-US has 133 new gas-fired plants in the works, putting climate goals at risk
Nearly halfway through a decade deemed critical for slowing climate change, US utilities and investors plan to add 133 new natural gas-fired power plants to the nation's grid, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence data. Another four oil-fired plants are under construction or in early development, and two coal-fired plants have been announced, the data shows.
-Â Six to vie for three open seats on Arizona Corporation Commission
Candidates for the Arizona Corporation Commission won’t have to worry about a primary election for the three seats up for grabs in November.
*** On a personal note I met Ylenia Aguilar at the Route Zero press conference and she was amazing to talk with. I will be chatting with her in the future on other ideas and events. Â
-US plans to impose major new tariffs on EVs, other Chinese green energy imports, AP sources say
The Biden administration plans to impose major new tariffs on electric vehicles, semiconductors, solar equipment and medical supplies imported from China, according to a U.S. official and another person familiar with the plan.
Upcoming AZHPCA Activites:
Steering Committee May 30- We will be finalizing planning of the AZHPCA Summitt. Open to everyone.
Sustainability Committee Meetings:
Â
AZHPCA Summit 12-1400 Sept 10th
-Keynote Speaker will Edward Maibach
Action Items:
1. Send an email to congress to tell them the importance of soil and water health are key to patient health. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program which helps feed our most vulnerable populations and food scarcity is a climate health issue and important to keep this program in place to decrease health effects.  Health Professionals for Climate has a link to send them a message
2. Send an email in support of CMS looking to track and report on healthcare emissions. They are looking at energy use, transportation, and anesthetic gases all contributors to greenhouse gas emissions and poor patient outcomes.  Health Professionals for Climate has a link to send them a message
Will chat soon and share the invite to join AZPHCA with anyone who is interested.
Thanks so much for your interest and passion.
Brian Drummond
Send this link to others to Join: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdKwZRFQvwmV0AFo3GzenMLQnbgLlbQlTBxQXvzUWJwEpRh8w/viewform?fbzx=-55262899784327453
https://events.nationalacademies.org/42660_05-2024_climate-conversations-community-driven-relocation