At a glance
Each region of the United States experiences climate change and its impacts on health differently. Read about success stories in the Southeast.
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
Sea level rise, hurricane intensity, and inland flooding intensify water management challenges in North Carolina. To help protect residents living in flood-prone regions, the North Carolina Department of Health interviewed community members disproportionately at risk about flooding-related knowledge and resources. Additionally, with the National Weather Service, a river monitoring program was established in 2023. The river gauge on the Black River near Tomahawk has already been used to give residents real-time information regarding river flooding following Hurricane Ida in 2023 and will continue to help protect residents.
Florida Department of Health
The Florida Building Resilience Against Climate Effects (FLBRACE) Program is working to improve the ability of the public health sector to respond to the health effects of climate variability by incorporating the best available science into routine public health practice. One area of concern for FLBRACE was the accessibility of emergency shelters to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly or residents living in coastal communities, as sea level rise and more intense hurricanes threaten to flood Floridians' homes. The Florida Department of Health and the University of Florida conducted assessments of emergency shelters and made recommendations to improve communication systems and accessible shelter management. Emergency shelters now understand the gaps that need to be addressed to serve their residents at greatest risk.
City of New Orleans Department of Health, Louisiana
The Southeast is experiencing more frequent and intense heat waves. With support through a 2020 mini-grant from CDC via the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO), New Orleans piloted a heat monitoring program where thermometers were distributed to residents to gather temperature data and develop better outreach about extreme heat and heat-related illnesses. Heat and health messages for New Orleanians with higher risk have been improved, reducing the burden of heat-related illness.