Empowering clinicians for environmental justice and community activism

Health professionals see the impact of environmental injustices in emergency rooms and clinics every day and feel moved to action, yet often feel underprepared or under-resourced in how to address these challenges in their local communities. This session will share case studies about health care-community collaborations to address local environmental injustices, featuring clinicians and a community organizer working at the intersection of climate change and health equity. Radiologists Dr. Ben Northrup and Dr. Theo Vander Velde will offer a place-based spotlight on radioactive waste and environmental contamination in the St. Louis Area. Attendees will then participate in an interactive activity led by Mr. Frank Pettis and Dr. Ted Shieh using Climate Action Venn Diagrams to develop a personal community action plan, leveraging inner capacities and community action strategies to address regional climate issues and identify how to partner with and support local environmental justice organizations leading this work.

Session objectives:

• Learn about the local environmental footprint, toxic health, and equity impacts of medical waste with a spotlight on radiology services.
• Identify opportunities to mitigate radioactive medical waste and protect the health of local communities.
• Learn about strategies clinicians can take home to build partnerships and amplify the work of local environmental justice organizations.
• Identify your individual strengths and interest to develop a personalized action plan to address local environmental injustices.