The Children’s Environmental Health Series:
Seeking Equity in Environmental Health Outcomes for Disadvantaged Populations  

Guest: Regina Benjamin, MD, 18th US Surgeon General

Taking a deep dive into to the effects of racial and social injustice, health disparities, and the equity gap on children’s health, this reflective discussion will approach influencers on health—namely social determinants of health—and uncover essential resources and strategies for achieving health equity. We will bring into focus the role of health care professionals in responding to these detrimental impacts with intentional, actionable steps for charting a path towards better engagement, improved outcomes, and quality of care.

Moderator: Nsedu Obot Witherspoon, MPH, Children's Environmental Health Network

Panelists: Rosemary Enobakhare, EPA; Elizabeth Clark, MSN, RN, National Association of School Nurses; I. Leslie Rubin, MD, Emory University; Sophia Smith, MD, Children's National Medical Center

This moderated discussion will begin with defining the health equity gap. Historical injustices and structural discrimination have rendered some population groups disparate because of racial, social, economic, and environmental disadvantages. Panelists will examine the differential impact on Black, Latinx, and Indigenous children’s health and establish tactics for achieving health equity through action. Ideas will be shared for how health care professionals can make meaningful strides in leading the work to effect change and equity for all. 

Presenter: Joy Hsu, MD, CDC

The CDC’s National Asthma Control Program (NACP) and its partners help people with asthma achieve better health and improved quality of life. NACP developed EXHALE, a set of six strategies that each contribute to better asthma control. Each EXHALE strategy has been proven to reduce asthma-related hospitalizations, emergency department visits, and healthcare costs. This session will introduce EXHALE and demonstrate how strategies can be used by providers, public health professionals, healthcare organizations, schools, people with asthma and their families, and others. 

Moderator: Vernessa Perry, NEEF

Panelists: Claudia Brown, MDH, CDC; Ananya Roy, PhD, Environmental Defense Fund; Nsedu Obot Witherspoon, MPH, Children's Environmental Health Network; Tyra Bryant-Stephens, MD, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

Topics discussed during this panel include: the intersections of climate change experienced directly through extreme weather events, heat waves, wildfires, hurricanes, and flooding—and indirectly through changes in air quality resulting in pollution—and the adverse impact on health for children with respiratory diseases such asthma. Panelists will also Identify the role and contributions of physicians, school nurses, public health professionals, and others in the field to address and inform communities about air quality and climate change, as well as share messaging and strategies for increasing understanding and improving management of these health issues.