Built environment is the infrastructure of cities and towns that includes transportation, roadways, buildings, and land-use. Built environment design and development can help mitigate climate change, support adaptation, and improve environment and public health. The more resilient the built environment, the less impact from climate change.
Risk communication is essential for a number of different public and environmental health concerns – from Zika to climate change – communication is possibly the most important step in working to help prevent the next disaster.
Dear NEHA members,
We want to provide you with an update on the latest proposed legislation for Zika and a quick summary of the status of this growing health concern.
Chuck Lichon, R.S., M.P.H., Deputy Health Officer at District Health Department #2 in Michigan, developed a Children’s Environmental Health Power Point Program with the financial assistance of the Dow Chemical Company, Midland, MI. The Power Points are approximately 25-35 minutes in length, allowing for a presentation to be made during one classroom setting, or to be used for a community presentation, allowing time for Q & A. Some of the topics include: Sunwise, Body Art, Household Hazardous Waste, Meth, Recreational Water, and more.
NEHA's Director of program and partnership development, Dr. Sandra Whitehead, is quoted in USA Today article on the potential impact of hurricanes on Zika in Florida:
International Zika Virus Conference & Workshop (iZIKVc)
At the request of Governor Alejandro García Padilla, U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell today declared a public health emergency for Puerto Rico, signaling that the current spread of Zika virus poses a significant threat to public health in the Commonwealth relating to pregnant women and children born to pregnant women with Zika.
Join the Public Health Foundation (PHF) and the Bio-Defense Network on Wednesday, July 27, 2016 from 1-2pm ET for a webinar focused on preparedness and response to the Zika Virus.
NEHA's Executive Director, David T. Dyjack, Dr.Ph, CIH, was interviewed by Steven Ross Johnson of Modern Healthcare on the Zika virus:
Read Article: "Years of budget cuts have left some cities and states ill-prepared to stop Zika spread"
The threat of Zika is real and growing every day. Environmental health professionals know that the best way to stop Zika is a strong investment in vector control programs and working within your communities at a profoundly local level.
After speaking with the scientific community, the White House asked Congress for a $1.9 billion investment to both combat Zika Virus and provide mosquito control in February 2016. That figure was turned down.
