Community Health

Objective

People who are more vulnerable to the negative impacts of extreme weather events and natural disasters are more likely to be seniors, have a disability, be unhoused, lack reliable internet access, be low-income, and/or be people of color. Extreme weather events and natural disasters can increase infection rates and housing mold via flooding in vulnerable communities. In addition, “environmental justice communities” are overburdened by cumulative environmental risks from pollution, toxics, flooding, water quality issues, and more.

Does your community have policies specifically geared toward responding to vulnerable populations during extreme weather events and natural disasters? Are you using available mapping tools to identify environmental risks where vulnerable populations live, learn, work, play and pray?

Examples of Data Needed for Equitable Strategy Development (Qualitative and Quantitative)

Identification of vulnerable communities. Refer to:

  • CDC Social Vulnerability Index 2018 at the census tract level (available on DNR website)
  • EPA’s Environmental Justice Screening and Mapping Tool
  • Wisconsin Environment and Equity Tool (WEET)
    • The tool will combine, analyze and visualize data online, so government and tribal agencies, community-based organizations, and the public can pinpoint Wisconsin’s most impacted communities.
    • The tool will help all users better understand the challenges impacted communities face from pollution, a changing climate, socioeconomic factors, and other environmental and health hazards.

Examples of Equity-Based Municipal Strategies

Community Health & Climate Information:

  • Include detailed climate information on municipal and public health websites and work with community-based organizations to share this information
  • Coordinate alert systems with clinics and hospitals for data collection and response to disasters
  • Public health workers can convene stakeholders on policy, are responsible for communicating health threats to the public, and can help communities adapt prior to a natural disaster to help prevent harm by gathering key data metrics, creating vulnerability indexes, and advocating for solutions for those communities.

Health Impact Assessments:

  • Carry out a Health Impact Assessment (HIA) for comprehensive plans, park plans, and climate action plans.

Responsible Local Agency or Department

  • Public Health Departments

Resources and Contacts for Technical & Policy Support