221257 Reducing Social Disparities of Heatwave Impacts in a Changing Climate: A Qualitative Investigation of Heat Planning in Four U.S. Cities

Tuesday, November 9, 2010 : 8:30 AM - 8:45 AM

Natalie Sampson, MPH , Department of Heath Behavior Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI
Edith Parker, DrPH , Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Sabrina McCormick, PhD , School of Public Health & Health Services, George Washington University, Environmental Protection Agency Fellow, Washington DC, DC
Jalonne White-Newsome, MS , Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI
Carina Gronlund, MPH , Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI
Linda Catalano, PhD , Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI
Marie S. O'Neill, PhD , Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI
Hot weather and heatwaves pose a substantial risk to health in the U.S. The frequency and intensity of these weather conditions are expected to increase, with effects not equally distributed, thus contributing to social disparities in health. This study explores adoption of heat wave mitigation and adaptation interventions in the U.S. Using a qualitative multiple case study design focusing on Phoenix, New York City, Philadelphia and Detroit, we are examining heat-related planning and interventions in these cities. Based on qualitative semi-structured in-depth interviews with over 150 government officials, community leaders, and community members, and on reviews of documents, this presentation describes processes that guide, impede or catalyze heat-related interventions for individuals and communities. Preliminary findings suggest: (i) the development of heat wave programming has faced an important set of obstacles and catalysts to development, distinct to each local context, (ii) heat wave interventions are defined and initiated through both technical and political processes that vary greatly year-to-year, city-to-city, and (iii) innovative emergency plans are needed to meet at-home needs of people with little social support during heat events. These findings have implications for the future implementation of heat planning in major cities and are especially relevant as organizations such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association work to establish standard heat wave warning systems in cities across the U.S.

Learning Areas:
Environmental health sciences
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Public health or related public policy

Learning Objectives:
-To describe and compare adoption of heat wave interventions in Detroit, Phoenix, Philadelphia, and New York City -To identify processes that facilitate or prevent heat preparedness for communities and vulnerable populations

Keywords: Climate Change, Vulnerable Populations

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am qualified to present as I have collaborated with communities on environmental health inequities for over a decade. Also, as a researcher working in a team of behavioral and environmental health scholars, I have participated in data collection and analysis for this study.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.