Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility Members Cycle to Olympia to Deliver "Climate Prescription" & Petition to Governor Jay Inslee & Legislators
Health workers: Join WPSR members and health workers from across Washington in calling on WA leaders in Olympia to take urgent action on climate by signing the #ClimatePrescription petition. The petition will be delivered by bicycle to Governor Inslee on January 28th by health workers who will ride from Seattle to Olympia to highlight the critical need for action in the coming legislative session.
Seattle, WA, January 25, 2022 --(PR.com)-- Health workers to cycle from Seattle to Olympia to deliver prescription to Governor and WA legislators for urgent action on climate.
Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility today announced plans for health workers to cycle from Seattle to Olympia, WA on Friday, Jan. 28, to deliver a “Climate Prescription” addressed to Governor Jay Inslee and Washington legislators, along with a petition signed by hundreds of WA health professionals, calling for urgent action on the climate crisis.
“Climate health is Public Health, and more urgent action is needed, not just what is politically feasible,” Dr. Annemarie Dooley, nephrologist and board member at Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility, said. “Health professionals are witnessing the impacts of climate change on patients in our hospitals and clinics already, and it is getting worse as the climate warms. If we don’t wean ourselves off fossil fuels, the health consequences of climate change will make the impacts of the COVID pandemic look small in comparison.”
The Washington State Medical Association has passed a resolution calling climate change a critical public health issue, and stating that “the warming planet threatens us all, but our most vulnerable – children, the elderly, the poor, and those with chronic health conditions – are already suffering from and will feel the brunt of health impacts if climate change increases.” The resolution calls for “policies that both reduce pollution and address the causes of climate change and that will create healthier, sustainable communities.”
National organizations including the American Medical Association, the American Public Health Association, the American Lung Association, and others have declared the climate crisis a public health emergency. Dr. Mark Vossler, cardiologist and President of Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility said, “The scientific and medical consensus is overwhelming. Climate change is real, it's caused by humans burning fossil fuels, and it's having real health impacts on people in Washington and throughout the world. The longer we take to act the more people will suffer.”
Right now, myriad bills are before the WA Legislature that would simultaneously address the causes of climate change in our state, and the associated health threats that they pose, while helping WA meet its statutory climate goals. This includes must-pass legislation that would improve building and energy codes, promote electrification, support the transition to clean fuels and transportation, limit sprawl, and more.
“When you can't breathe, nothing else matters,” said Dr. Chris Covert-Bowlds, board member of Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility and Vice President of Health Care for All WA. “Just like a person with a bad asthma attack needs a shot of adrenaline, our climate action efforts need a shot of adrenaline to help us all breathe easier.”
To underscore the urgency of climate action at the state level, health workers plan to cycle from Seattle to Olympia on Friday, January 28 to deliver a “climate prescription” and petition to Governor Jay Inslee on the Capitol steps at approximately 4:00 pm.
About Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility
Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility (WPSR) is a healthcare professional-led advocacy organization working to create a healthy, just, peaceful and sustainable world. We leverage the voice of healthcare professionals from all backgrounds and their supporters and those passionate about our work to educate the public, influence decision-makers, and promote policies in government and the private sector that support our mission. More information at: https://www.wpsr.org
Contact: Dr. Annemarie Dooley, WPSR Board Member, Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility: annemarie@wpsr.org
Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility today announced plans for health workers to cycle from Seattle to Olympia, WA on Friday, Jan. 28, to deliver a “Climate Prescription” addressed to Governor Jay Inslee and Washington legislators, along with a petition signed by hundreds of WA health professionals, calling for urgent action on the climate crisis.
“Climate health is Public Health, and more urgent action is needed, not just what is politically feasible,” Dr. Annemarie Dooley, nephrologist and board member at Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility, said. “Health professionals are witnessing the impacts of climate change on patients in our hospitals and clinics already, and it is getting worse as the climate warms. If we don’t wean ourselves off fossil fuels, the health consequences of climate change will make the impacts of the COVID pandemic look small in comparison.”
The Washington State Medical Association has passed a resolution calling climate change a critical public health issue, and stating that “the warming planet threatens us all, but our most vulnerable – children, the elderly, the poor, and those with chronic health conditions – are already suffering from and will feel the brunt of health impacts if climate change increases.” The resolution calls for “policies that both reduce pollution and address the causes of climate change and that will create healthier, sustainable communities.”
National organizations including the American Medical Association, the American Public Health Association, the American Lung Association, and others have declared the climate crisis a public health emergency. Dr. Mark Vossler, cardiologist and President of Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility said, “The scientific and medical consensus is overwhelming. Climate change is real, it's caused by humans burning fossil fuels, and it's having real health impacts on people in Washington and throughout the world. The longer we take to act the more people will suffer.”
Right now, myriad bills are before the WA Legislature that would simultaneously address the causes of climate change in our state, and the associated health threats that they pose, while helping WA meet its statutory climate goals. This includes must-pass legislation that would improve building and energy codes, promote electrification, support the transition to clean fuels and transportation, limit sprawl, and more.
“When you can't breathe, nothing else matters,” said Dr. Chris Covert-Bowlds, board member of Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility and Vice President of Health Care for All WA. “Just like a person with a bad asthma attack needs a shot of adrenaline, our climate action efforts need a shot of adrenaline to help us all breathe easier.”
To underscore the urgency of climate action at the state level, health workers plan to cycle from Seattle to Olympia on Friday, January 28 to deliver a “climate prescription” and petition to Governor Jay Inslee on the Capitol steps at approximately 4:00 pm.
About Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility
Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility (WPSR) is a healthcare professional-led advocacy organization working to create a healthy, just, peaceful and sustainable world. We leverage the voice of healthcare professionals from all backgrounds and their supporters and those passionate about our work to educate the public, influence decision-makers, and promote policies in government and the private sector that support our mission. More information at: https://www.wpsr.org
Contact: Dr. Annemarie Dooley, WPSR Board Member, Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility: annemarie@wpsr.org
Contact
Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility
Annemarie Dooley
(206) 547-4101
wpsr.org
Annemarie Dooley
(206) 547-4101
wpsr.org
Contact
Multimedia
WA Climate Prescription Press Release
News alert about health workers from across Washington calling on WA leaders in Olympia to take urgent action on climate by signing the #ClimatePrescription petition and delivering it by bicycle to Governor Inslee on January 28th.
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