There is an increased need to fill heat-health data gaps to ensure the effective design and implementation of public policies at the local and state levels, as well as private policies within organizations and systems (e.g., health care). Data-informed heat policy is essential to protect communities from harmful heat exposure and adverse health outcomes. Timely, representative, accessible, and transparent data, ideally collected with and governed by communities, are also critical for calling for, evaluating, and continually improving heat policy.
Given this context, the NAM Climate Communities Network hosted a virtual convening (with optional pre- and post-sessions) to bring together community members, decision-makers, and others working at the intersection of heat, health, and policy. The convening spotlighted actionable strategies to address data gaps and share lessons from the design and implementation of exemplar heat policies. The event also demonstrated how data-informed policy can reduce heat-related deaths and safeguard community health. We hope viewers leave with practical tools, tailored to their spheres of influence, to advance effective, community-informed heat policy.
The external resources on this page do not necessarily represent the views of any one organization, the National Academy of Medicine, or the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, and have not been subjected to the review procedures of, nor are they a product of, the National Academies.
Resources shared by speakers
- CalHeatScore
- Federation of American Scientists 2025 Heat Policy Agenda
- Federation of American Scientists Framework for a Heat Ready Nation
- NYC Heat Vulnerability Index
- Protecting Vulnerable Populations from Climate Hazards: A Referral Guide
- Your NYC Heat Story
Resources shared by attendees (as examples of tools they found helpful in their own communities)
- Don’t Overheat: Know Your Medications
- EmblemHealth Launches Real-Time Weather Resilience Alerts to Protect At-Risk New Yorkers
- Health Action On-Demand
- Heat and Medications Information Sheet for Health Care Providers
- Heat Safety & Performance Coalition Resources
- Heat Stress and Productivity Losses in Urban Construction Workforces
- Heat Stress Impacts Workers and the Bottom Line
- Heat.gov
- How to Prepare for Emergencies | Be Red Cross Ready | Red Cross
- OSHA-NIOSH Heat Tool
- Research Project Promotes Deeper Understanding of Impact of Heat Stress Mitigation Measures in Cons…
- Thermal (Heat) Stress
Agenda overview
- 12:00–12:45 PM: Policy 101 Primer (Optional)
- 1:00-1:15 PM: Opening Remarks
- Shaneah Taylor, National Academy of Medicine
- John Balbus, Climate Care Consulting, LLC
- 1:15–2:00 PM: Panel #1: Public Policy at the State and Local Level to Protect Community Health
- Cari Olson, NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
- Cheryl Holder, Florida Clinicians for Climate Action, Miami Climate and Heat Health Task Force
- Walker Wieland, Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, California EPA
- 2:00–2:45 PM: Panel #2: Private Policy within Organizations and Systems to Protect Patients and Workers
- Lily Kelly, La Clínica de La Raza, Inc.
- Jessica Hinshaw, National Association of Community Health Centers
- Marysel Pagan-Santana, Migrant Clinicians Network
- 2:45–3:15 PM: Audience Exchange
- 3:15–3:30 PM: Closing: Key Takeaways & Actionable Resources
- Hannah Safford & Grace Wickerson, Federation of American Scientists
- 3:30–4:00 PM: Q&A with Speakers (Optional)
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