At a glance
Each region of the United States experiences climate change and its impacts on health differently. Read about success stories in the Northeast.
Maine Department of Health and Human Services
Vector-borne diseases and air quality issues are the primary hazards addressed through Maine’s Tracking Network. Maine’s program has developed a real-time data dashboard to track cases of tick-borne disease, such as Lyme disease, and tick-related emergency department visits, which helps health officials understand the spread of ticks and how a changing climate affects the tick’s lifecycle. Simultaneously, they established a pollen monitoring network to provide continuous real-time data on pollen and other airborne allergens. This information is public on their Maine Tracking Network dashboard and allows residents to understand the incidence of vector-borne and aeroallergen in their region.
Massachusetts Department of Health
The Massachusetts Climate Change Adaptation Report identified a need for strengthening public health and healthcare infrastructure to promote climate-resilient communities. To help meet this need, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) awarded grants to local health departments and launched a vulnerability mapping tool to support climate adaptation planning. Local public health departments can assess the need for adaptation efforts, operate municipal warming and cooling centers with emergency preparedness partners, and conduct health impact assessments of climate action strategies.
New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
With temperature increases, some New York City communities face a disproportionate risk of heat-related illness and death. The “Be a Buddy” program was implemented to engage residents and local organizations to check in on residents who are older, disabled, and living alone on hot days. The program strengthened relationships between residents and local organizations to reduce the risk of extreme heat and other weather emergencies in four communities with lower incomes.
New York State Department of Health
New Yorkers experience increased heat and are especially vulnerable, as the built environment is not designed to adapt to warming temperatures. New York promotes social media messaging about specific and protective health behaviors, such as how to find a nearby cooling center and how to sign up for the state's Heating and Cooling Assistance Benefit (HEAP). These messages increased awareness of healthy behaviors during extreme heat, the use of state programs like HEAP, and locations of cooling centers. The messages also increase self-efficacy and access to state and local cooling resources.
Further, despite a lack of resources, local health departments are interested in the climate impacts on health and want to learn more. To support local health departments NYS, BRACE staff launched climate and health workshops that focused on different climate threats. The workshops increased awareness of the impacts of climate on health, led to the identification of climate change liaisons within local health departments, promoted climate and health resources, and highlighted funding opportunities.
Additionally, NYS BRACE staff have supported the Climate Justice Working Group by providing health outcome data that identifies the communities most disadvantaged. This data has guided investing and directing resources to ensure frontline and underserved communities benefit from the state's clean energy transition.
Maryland Department of Health
There is an increased risk of motor vehicle accidents, asthma hospitalizations, and food-borne diseases following extreme precipitation events in the Chesapeake Bay and Eastern Shore communities. The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) developed education and outreach for school-age youth, minority groups, community health workers, and informal healthcare networks. They also launched the Climate Ambassador Program to provide tools for youth to educate and empower themselves to take climate action. These efforts have improved Marylander’s climate literacy and ability to respond to climate threats.
New Hampshire Division of Public Health Services
Rising water temperatures increase the risk of Vibrio cholerae outbreaks in shellfish, which can increase the risk of food poisoning. The New Hampshire Climate and Health Program analyzed the prevalence of Vibrio cholerae along the seacoast and in commercial oyster beds and assessed potential interventions. Interventions were implemented to shade and cool shellfish beds to reduce the risk of food poisoning.
The Northeast Regional Heat Collaborative
Several Northeastern health departments identified that the National Weather Service (NWS) heat advisories were not being issued at times when there were significant heat-related illnesses in the region. The Northeast Regional Heat Collaborative was created in partnership with other Northeastern state health departments to analyze heat, hospitalization, and death data to inform public health policy. The Collaborative successfully changed the NWS Heat Advisory Policy for the New England area. More effective heat alerts can reduce cases of heat-related illness in the region.
Rhode Island Department of Health
In Rhode Island, the economy and culture are tied to the ocean, making the effects of climate change particularly acute. Utilizing CDC Climate and Health Program grants, the Rhode Island Department of Health assessed climate change and health vulnerabilities specific to Rhode Island, produced a Social Vulnerability Index Map, a Climate Change and Health Resiliency Report, and developed a Climate Change and Health Adaptation Plan. These projects have not only produced measurable reductions in the health burdens of climate change but have helped to further address and adapt to the many public health effects of climate change in Rhode Island.
Vermont Department of Health
The Vermont Climate and Health Program addresses many key climate-related health risks, with a particular focus on heat as it is proving to be a growing threat to Vermonters. Many homes and communities are unprepared for extreme heat, resulting in more heat-related illnesses and deaths. To combat heat illness, Vermont increased the resources to Regional Planning Commissions (RPCs) to raise local awareness about heat risks, identify high-risk communities, locate cooling centers, and develop local hot weather emergency response plans. As a result of the RPCs, 19 local heat response plans were developed, dozens of community cooling centers were identified, and awareness about cooling centers was increased. Additionally, Vermont is piloting a “Weatherization + Health Initiative” to modify homes for climate resilience and health promotion. The program prioritizes the delivery of health benefits by including specific health and safety improvements in addition to basic weatherization strategies. The “Weatherization + Health Initiative” enhances home energy efficiency, reduces energy costs, and improves occupant health. This work has not only been supported by the CDC’s Climate-ready States & Cities Initiative (CRSCI), but also through a 2020 mini-grant from the CDC via the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA).
Boston Public Health Commission
Increasing temperatures threaten Bostonians and put them at risk of developing heat-related illnesses. In 2015, there were 22 days over 90°F in Boston; by 2030, there could be up to 40 days over 90°F. With the support of a 2019 mini-grant from the CDC via the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO), the Boston Public Health Commission developed heat awareness materials and translated them into ten languages to reach particularly at-risk populations and reduce health impacts during heat waves.
Seneca Nation of Indians
Due to climate change, there is increased flooding, which elevates the risk of vector-borne disease among Indigenous communities. Utilizing a 2020 mini-grant from the CDC via the National Indian Health Board (NIHB), the Seneca Nation of Indians (located in what is now called New York) addressed the impacts of flooding by incorporating health into existing collaborative climate work. The mini-grant project focused on health communication so communities will have a better understanding of the health impacts of flooding, as well as how to prepare and respond to future flooding.
GreenRoots –Chelsea, Massachusetts
Industrial operations generate noise, traffic, and pollution, placing a heavy environmental burden on the residents of Chelsea. In 2022, GreenRoots, a community-based organization (CBO), received a mini-grant from the CDC via the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) to distribute 200 air purifiers and collect data from existing outdoor air quality monitors maintained by the state. Through these actions, GreenRoots is not only protecting their community's air quality but also educating residents on its importance for health.