Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility (WPSR) is a 40-year-old, health professional-led advocacy organization working to create a healthy, just, peaceful and sustainable world. We take on the gravest current threats to human health and survival - nuclear weapons, economic inequity, and a climate crisis driven by dependence on fossil fuels. WPSR leverages the credible and trusted voice of healthcare professionals to educate the public, influence decision-makers, and promote public policies that support our mission.

The forces that create these threats are deeply intertwined:

• Nuclear Weapons and Economic Inequity: Massive and growing economic inequity is causing unrest within, and conflict between, nuclear-armed countries. And the vast amount of money spent on nuclear weapons and militarism is done so at the expense of social spending that is fundamental to economic equality and opportunity.

• Economic Inequity and Climate Change: Climate change has disproportionate and adverse impacts on low-income populations and communities of color, exacerbating already-dire levels of income inequality. In fact, the world's richest 1% cause double the CO2 emissions of the poorest 50%. And economic inequality is a threat to climate solutions because those on the losing end of unequal economies cannot afford the costs of a low-carbon transition. Read more here…

• Climate Change and Nuclear Weapons: Climate change increases the risk and likelihood of conflict due to the stress and resource scarcity that is created by drought, flooding, and fires. And the military establishment, as the greatest consumer of fossil fuels in the U.S., is arguably the biggest institutional contributor to climate change. Any nuclear conflict would have devastating and potentially catastrophic effects on the global climate. Read more here…

We are learning anew that the United States was built on a foundation of wealth inequity, rooted in slavery, that has influenced every major event in our history. We recognize our American responsibility for much of the violence, environmental degradation, and inequality in the world, as well as our capacity to change how we live together on a planet with finite resources.

We do this work because health professionals have a unique understanding of the present and potential implications these issues have for human health, and because we are compelled to use our privilege and power to prevent what we cannot cure for the good of humanity. WPSR, based in Seattle, is the Washington State chapter of Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR) which has been working for more than 50 years to create a healthy, just and peaceful world for both the present and future generations.

Our Mission & Vision

• Mission: Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility engages the community to create a healthy, peaceful, just and sustainable world.

• Vision: We envision a world where all live healthy lives free from the threats of nuclear war, global climate catastrophe and injustice.

Our Values

Our work focuses on preventing the major threats to human health. The Prevention Policy dictates that we shall do no harm. Our advocacy is rooted in the following core values:

• Science: As health professionals, we are scientists. We rely on evidence to guide our work.

• Sustainability: We must preserve the earth's resources if we are to preserve human health.

• Compassion: We have deep sympathy with all humans, and a desire to prevent and alleviate suffering.

• Peace: We recognize that security and freedom from war is key for human health and well-being.

• Justice/Equity: We have a responsibility to treat all humans with fairness and respect. We cannot let personal biases affect our duty to protect the health of all members of our global community. 

Our Practices

WPSR strives to transparency in all we do, and are proud to have a Platinum rating from Guidestar for transparency, and to be accredited by the Better Business Bureau of Washington. Our most recent IRS Form 990 can be viewed by visiting GuideStar.