St. Luke’s and Idaho Clinicians for Climate Health continue their lecture series addressing health and climate change.
All sessions are free and open to the public both virtually and through in-person attendance. Session recordings will be available to any registrants and can also be viewed on the St. Luke’s YouTube page upon conclusion.
Wednesday, January 8: 12-1 p.m.
Join Dr. Phil Landrigan, a leading expert in environmental health, pediatrician, and epidemiologist, for an eye-opening talk on the impacts of plastics on human health. Dr. Landrigan's groundbreaking research on plastics and human health reveals the significant dangers plastics pose throughout their lifecycle—from production to disposal. Initially focused on children's health, his research has expanded to highlight planetary-scale threats, including climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss. Learn about the toxic exposures and environmental contamination caused by plastics and the need for sustainable solutions.
Wednesday, February 19: 12-1 p.m.
Join Dr. Lori Byron for an enlightening lecture on youth climate action. Dr. Byron will discuss the severe impacts of climate change on pediatric health, emphasizing the urgent need for education and collective action. The event will also showcase inspiring testimonies from young activists from the Boise Youth Climate Action Council who are making a difference in their communities. Learn how these passionate youths are tackling climate challenges locally and discover ways to support and amplify their efforts. Don't miss this opportunity to engage with experts and youth leaders dedicated to a sustainable future.
Wednesday, March 12: 12-1 p.m.
Join Alan Heber, Manager of Facilities, Engineering and Energy Management at Gundersen Health System, as he shares the remarkable journey of Gundersen becoming the first health system to achieve energy independence. On October 14, 2014, Gundersen produced more energy than it consumed, thanks to a comprehensive strategy that included efficiency improvements and clean energy projects such as dairy digesters, wind turbines, and geothermal energy. Alan, will discuss the strategies and innovations that led to Gundersen's energy milestone, offering valuable insights into energy management and sustainability.
Wednesday, April 9: 12-1 p.m.
Join us for an insightful lecture on the impacts of climate change on the health and safety of farmers, featuring Irene Ruiz and Amanda Blanchet. Irene Ruiz, a dedicated activist, will share her experiences advocating for farmworker protections in extreme heat conditions. Amanda Blanchet, executive director of ICCH and Emergency Medicine Physician Assistant, will discuss the broader implications of climate change on agricultural workers' health. This event will provide valuable perspectives on the challenges faced by farmers and highlight the urgent need for adaptive measures to ensure their well-being in a changing climate.
Wednesday, May 12: 12-1 p.m.
Join us for an insightful lecture on the impacts of extreme heat on vulnerable populations, featuring Dr. Caleb Dresser, a leading expert in climate and health. Dr. Dresser will explore how rising temperatures disproportionately affect young children and the elderly, highlighting the increased risks of heat-related illnesses and mortality. He will discuss strategies for community awareness, mitigation, and preparedness to protect these at-risk groups. This lecture highlights the critical intersection of climate change and public health, and how we can build more resilient communities.
All sessions are free and open to the public.
People are struggling to breathe, and inhalers are part of the solution. But inhalers can also contribute a significant portion of carbon emissions. There may be choices available that are clinically equivalent and have a significantly lower carbon footprint.
Presenters: Dr. Gregg Furie; Dr. Samantha Green; and Kathleen Silveira, PharmD
Climate change, mild winters, early springs, and new habitats are giving insects more time to reproduce, more interactions with humans/animals and more opportunities to spread diseases throughout the United States.
Presenters: Dr. Sky Blue, Sawtooth Epidemiology and Infectious Diseases; and Dr. Christine Hahn, Idaho medical director and state epidemiologist, Idaho Division of Public Health