The climate is changing. ASHRAE tells us that the US is warming at least a degree a decade. We are experiencing more frequent and more intense severe weather events. We are experiencing movement of disease vectors and changing health threats. In the face of these changes, the healthcare system must adapt and must plan for resilience. This is not a political issue; rather, it’s physics, and it’s an issue with lasting devasting effects (exceeding 1.5 degrees Celsius) if ignored or treated with a lack of urgency. We know that the healthcare sector represents roughly 20% of the US economy; 10% of US greenhouse gas emissions; 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. How can/is healthcare legitimately removing carbon from the delivery of care (i.e. carbon-free care)? Is it fully possible? Join this unique webinar, designed as a panel forum, to hear the owner-side of the equation and engineering/consulting side. Helen Wilmot, Chief Facilities & Sustainability Officer Stanford Health Care and Walt Vernon, CEO of Mazzetti & National Academy of Medicine Action Collaborative Steering Committee member, will provide candid, and perhaps unexpected perspectives on the most relevant topic impacting human health — decarbonization. Stanford Health Care (SHC), in many ways, is the leading the decarbonization charge in the industry. Discover how SHC is addressing the obvious barriers of “dependence on fossil fuels” to perform essential tasks — heating, humidifying, sterilization — as well as the somewhat less obvious barriers re fleet and medical gasses. Discover how the National Academy of Medicine’s Action Collaborative to decarbonize the U.S. Healthcare is addressing operational pathways, including healthcare delivery (e.g. “hospital at home”), supply chain, financing, regulation, and even relevant education and communication for various stakeholders.

Course expires 09/13/2025

With substantial research demonstrating the connection between the environment and public health outcomes, it is imperative that we identify and pursue opportunities within our communities that promote health, address disparities, and improve well-being. While many of these factors—transportation, land use planning, housing, parks, and economic development—are outside the public health field’s direct control, the Tennessee Department of Health has still established itself as a national leader in improving public health, safety, and welfare through investments in its built environment. In this presentation, you’ll gain an overview of the Tennessee Department of Health’s successes—led by the Office of Primary Prevention— including the significance of regional healthy development coordinators, the Healthy Built Environments Grant program, and cross-agency, multi-disciplinary partnerships. 

This session was recorded live on May 14, 2024.

Course expires 4/1/2027