The Health Care Climate Council, a leadership network of 19 U.S. health systems, headed to Capitol Hill to talk about the urgent need to transition to 100% clean energy and invest in climate-resilient hospitals and communities.

“Over the past few years, record-breaking wildfires, floods, and hurricanes have threatened communities across the country, and local hospitals have stepped up to respond to these emergencies time and again. We have seen firsthand how these events put patients, caregivers, and communities in harm’s way,” says Ali Santore, group vice president of government affairs and social responsibility for Providence St. Joseph Health, one of the Health Care Climate Council member systems visiting with lawmakers this week.

Members of the Climate Council will share their experiences responding to the health impacts of a changing climate and the various ways climate change affects health in all regions of the country. As industry leaders in setting standards for climate-smart health care, they will provide members of Congress with valuable expertise on how health care can play a leading role in advancing clean energy and promoting resilient communities. 

“We’ll be meeting with key Senators and providing expert recommendations to the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis,” says Sarah Spengeman, associate director for communications and advocacy at Health Care Without Harm. “This is the only time this group will be together in person on Capitol Hill this session, so these visits are critical for ensuring members of Congress understand the ways climate change is already harming health in this country.”

Earlier this year, the Climate Council endorsed the U.S. Call to Action on Climate, Health, and Equity, along with more than 100 health and medical organizations. The call to action includes a 10-point policy agenda for solving the climate and health emergency, including a rapid transition to clean energy. Climate Council members will discuss the agenda’s recommendations, including 100% clean energy and investing in climate and health, with congressional staff. 

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About the Health Care Climate Council

The Health Care Climate Council is a leadership network of 19 health systems established in 2014 by Health Care Without Harm, committed to protecting their patients and employees from the health impacts of climate change and becoming anchors for resilient communities.