Join our conversation

In person

If you are unable to join with the below options, there will be a physical space reserved in the Foundation for Health Care Quality’s Seattle office to participate in the virtual meeting at the below address:

Industrious 400U @ Rainier Square
400 University Street
Floor 3
Seattle, WA 98101

Directions to FHCQ Office

Online

Teams Meeting Link
Meeting ID: 249 510 157 982
Passcode: ouGohV

Background

Climate change is widespread, rapid, and intensifying with a direct regional health impact. Washington has seen an increase in climate related illnesses including such as hyperthermia and respiratory disease from short-term temperature increases and increased smoke exposure from wildfires. During the heat dome of 2021, over 400 Washingtonians lost their lives due to heat related illnesses. Extreme heat disproportionately impacts children, pregnant individuals, the elderly, outdoor and some indoor workers, people with disabilities, low-income communities and communities of color. Agricultural workers, construction workers, and electricity and pipeline utility workers are at increased risk for heat-related illness and deaths. Short and long-term heat exposure increases severe maternal morbidity (SMM). Wildfire smoke in 2020 was associated with approximately 92 more all-cause mortality cases, and those in Eastern and Central Washington were estimated to experience the highest per-capita mortality during the episode. Coordinated efforts across sectors are needed to prevent and respond to the health effects of extreme heat and wildfire smoke, including early detection and warning systems, preventative education and communication with communities at highest risk, home environment measures, and standardized clinical protocols for reducing risk related to heat and wildfire smoke.

Meeting Materials

Read our Charter.

Workgroup Members