Health Professionals Urge Washington’s Congressional Delegation to Support Climate and Health

WPSR is calling on Washington’s Senators and Representatives to cosponsor federal legislation recognizing climate change as public health

SEATTLE, WA — This week, members of Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility (WPSR) signed onto this letter, requesting the state's entire congressional delegation to cosponsor, S.318, a bipartisan resolution recognizing climate change as a growing threat to public health and demanding coordinated federal action to protect communities.

The resolution, introduced by Senator Edward Markey (D-MA) and Representative Nanette Barragán (D-CA), currently has no cosponsors from Washington state despite the state's leadership on climate issues and growing health impacts from extreme weather events.

"As health professionals on the front lines, we witness daily the mounting health impacts of climate change in Washington communities," said Dr. Chris Covert Bowlds, WPSR Climate and Health Task Force Co-Chair. "From record-breaking heat domes causing cardiovascular emergencies to wildfire smoke triggering life threatening lung clots and asthma attacks, climate change is already a health crisis in our state."

Washington has experienced increasingly severe climate-related health threats in recent years, including deadly heat events, prolonged wildfire smoke episodes that disrupt healthcare access, and expanding vector-borne diseases as temperatures rise. The health impacts fall disproportionately on children, pregnant women, communities of color, low-income neighborhoods, tribal nations, outdoor workers, and people with disabilities and chronic conditions.

In a letter sent to all 12 members of Washington's congressional delegation, WPSR emphasized that the resolution calls for exactly the type of coordinated federal response a health crisis demands. The legislation urges the Department of Health and Human Services to lead a whole-of-government effort to strengthen health system climate resilience, close gaps in data collection, recognize the health sector's own environmental impact, and support frontline healthcare providers.

"Prevention is always preferable to treatment," the letter states. "While we will continue caring for patients suffering climate-related health impacts, we have a professional obligation to advocate for policies that prevent these harms in the first place."

The call for action comes as federal climate health programs face significant cuts, including the elimination of the Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Climate Change and Health Equity. The resolution has garnered endorsements from major medical organizations including the American College of Physicians and the American Public Health Association.

WPSR noted that climate disasters cause billions in damages nationwide but also translate directly into emergency room visits, respiratory distress, heat-related illnesses, and mental health crises in hospitals and clinics across Washington state.

"Your leadership is essential. This resolution would improve our ability to save the lives of patients we treat daily."

The organization offered to brief congressional offices on the specific climate health challenges facing Washington communities and how federal action can help protect patients and communities statewide.

About Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility: 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.

WPSR's 2025 Legislative Kickoff: Join us on January 7th!

As the 2025 legislative session approaches, Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility (WPSR) is hosting a virtual legislative kickoff event on Tuesday, January 7th, from 6:00–7:30 PM. This engaging and informative session will prepare advocates to champion policies that address the critical intersections of climate, health, and economic inequity across Washington State. Make sure to add this event to your calendar!

This year, public health will be at the forefront of discussions in Olympia. Facing a difficult budget shortfall, lawmakers will be forced to make many difficult decisions. As health professionals, we advocate for our lawmakers to make choices that are good for our health and improve our climate and address economic inequities. We’ll be working to promote progressive taxation and housing, as well as the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and climate adaptations to extreme heat.

Attendees will:

• Gain insight into WPSR’s legislative priorities for 2025.

• Hear from members of the Climate and Health Task Force and the Economic Inequity and Health Task Force about their key focus areas.

• Learn actionable advocacy strategies to make an impact as a health professional or ally.

Whether you’re new to legislative advocacy or a seasoned advocate, this session will equip you with the tools and knowledge to make your voice heard during the upcoming session.

Event Details

• Date: Tuesday, January 7, 2025

• Time: 6:00–7:30 PM

• Location: Virtual (Zoom)

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with WPSR’s community of advocates and prepare for an impactful legislative session.

Add this event to your calendar and join us in advocating for a healthier, more equitable Washington.

For more information about WPSR’s mission and priorities, visit WPSR’s Climate and Health webpage and view our Economic Inequity and Health Policy Priorities.