In the wake of the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Ian as it made landfall across southwest Florida come new health concerns for residents in the impacted areas – ranging from traumatic injuries and waterborne infections to job stressors and mental health impacts.
In the following Q&A, Jay Lemery, MD, Climate and Health Foundation Endowed Chair in Climate Medicine, professor of Emergency Medicine, chief of the Section of Wilderness and Environmental Medicine, and co-founder of the University of Colorado School of Medicine’s Program on Climate & Health outlines the health concerns for communities affected by Hurricane Ian.
He also offers thoughts on lessons learned from Hurricanes Katrina and Maria and how medical providers can be strong advocates in fighting climate change.