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:
705 2nd Ave
Suite 410
Seattle, WA 98104
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.
Next Meeting | Time | Materials |
May 8th, 2024 | 3-4:30pm | Please see below |
Past Meeting Materials
Date | Materials |
January 10th, 2024 | |
February 14th | February Agenda January Minutes Draft Focus Areas |
March 13th | March Agenda February Minutes Draft Focus Areas |
April 10th | April Agenda March Minutes April 10 Research |
May 8th | May Agenda April Minutes Materials |
June 12th | June Agenda May Minutes Materials |
July 10th | July Agenda June Minutes Materials |
August 14th | August Agenda July Minutes Materials |
September 11th | September Agenda August Minutes Materials |
October 9th | October Agenda September Minutes Materials |
November 13th | November Agenda October Minutes Materials |
December 11th | December Agenda November Minutes Materials |
January 8th, 2025 | January Agenda December Minutes Materials |
Read our Charter.
Workgroup Members
Name | Title | Organization |
Chris Chen, MD (Chair) | Medical Director for Medicaid | Washington HealthCare Authority |