About the Conference
Read more about the 2nd Annual Northwest Environmental Health Conference
The general public and healthcare professional awareness of the emerging field of environmental health is growing as evidenced by support of environmental health projects, education, and legislation throughout the country. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have estimated that 16% of all preventable deaths in the United States can be attributed to environmental factors. Researchers at the World Health Organization (WHO) estimate that environmental factors may cause up to 33% of diseases worldwide. The Institute of Medicine, more than a decade ago, recommended that public health departments identify, understand and control environmental problems as health hazards. In order to address the needs of the public and educate healthcare professionals about the impact of the environment on health, it is critical that conferences addressing environmental health concerns are developed and supported.
Furthermore, as collaboration among healthcare professionals is paramount to continued improvements in the care of ill individuals and populations, it is critical to facilitate dialogue between healthcare professionals, as well as students in healthcare fields. A conference with specific directives to review current basic research and emerging science, to introduce tools, resources and best-practice models already in practice, and to educate and stimulate healthcare professionals to become involved in environmental health policy change, would achieve these collaborative goals. These components, combined with a keynote speaker grounded in the field of Environmental Health and a final call to action by a passionate, dedicated healthcare practitioners, will ensure the conference’s success.
