CMD1 - Advancing Community Health through Infrastructure and Exposure Initiatives

Session Description: A healthy planet plays a key role in patient health, with factors such as air and water quality and toxic exposure directly influencing health outcomes. Poor conditions can lead to chronic health problems, often disproportionately affecting certain communities, such as low-income and individuals with preexisting conditions. Health centers are essential in addressing these challenges by integrating exposure considerations into patient care, providing resources to mitigate harmful toxins, and health centers have a responsibility to promote sustainable practices.

In this session, participants will hear from health centers on how resilient infrastructure and lead exposure programs can strengthen patient care and community well-being. Chiricahua Community Health Center will highlight their work around installing solar+storage, ensuring uninterrupted healthcare services while increasing access to renewable energy, which is an important step in mitigating health risks like air pollution and energy insecurity. Sixteenth Street Community Health Center will share insights from their comprehensive lead program. Participants will learn how health centers are integrating innovative strategies into their operations, gaining leadership and board support, and leveraging partnerships to advance patient health and resilience in underserved communities.