GCPH Blog

By Dea Larsen Converse  

In communities across the Midwest, climate change is harming our health now. The latest report from the Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change Impacts (WICCI) shows that more flooding, extreme weather events, longer growing seasons, and warmer average temperatures are contributing to an increase in heat-related illness, infectious diseases spread by mosquitoes and ticks, illnesses from contaminated food and water, worsening chronic illnesses, injuries and deaths from dangerous weather events, and mental health problems. 

On March 13, 2020, U.S. President Donald Trump declared a national public health emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, the United States has remained under a state of emergency declaration. Recently though, President Joe Biden announced that he plans to end the public health emergency on May 11, 2023.

The last few days of February and the first few days of March mark Eating Disorder Awareness Week (EDAW); this is an annual campaign meant to educate people about the realities of eating disorders and to provide hope, support, and visibility to individuals and families impacted by eating disorders. This year’s theme for the week is Strength through Experience and Knowledge - It’s Time for Change, focusing on education as an important tool for change.