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Registration open for Michigan Green Health Care annual conference--includes clinician education and engagement sessions
The Michigan Green Health Care Committee works to support and encourage sustainability initiatives that improve human and environmental health, protect the unique resources of the state and strengthen Michigan’s healthcare sector. The committee invites you to attend the Annual Conference to learn more about best practices, key issues and the efforts in our state.
REGISTER NOW - The 2012 Michigan Green Health Care Conference will be held September 11th-12th at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital and Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor.
Clinician Education & Engagement Track Includes:
September 12th
Session 1: An Introduction to the Human Health Impacts of Toxic Chemicals and Dirty Energy
Environmental pollution has been linked to serious health problems. Pollution from coal-fired power plants contributes to four of the five leading causes of mortality in the United States: heart disease, cancer, stroke, and chronic respiratory diseases. Morever, exposure to toxic chemicals in the environment and in our homes has been linked to developmental disorders, reproductive problems, and even certain cancers. Health professionals have a role to play in reducing the public health burden caused by pollution. This session will introduce the science that has linked exposure to certain environmental toxicants and air pollution from energy production to a number of chronic illnesses.
Speakers: Kim Knowlton, Dr.P.H., Senior Scientist, Health and Environment Program, Natural Resources Defense Council; Dr. William Bloom, PhD, Licensed Psychologist, Michigan Psychological Association
Session 2: Our Stuff is Toxic! What Health Professionals Can Do to Reduce Exposure to Harmful Chemicals
A growing number of environmental groups, health professionals, and health-affected groups are joining forces to reduce our exposure to harmful chemicals in everyday products, in the workplace, and in our neighborhoods. This panel will explore what role clinicians and public health professionals can play in improving environmental health in Michigan. The panel will explore how health profesionals can educate their own patients and communities, and join forces with coalitions working to change chemicals policies to better protect public health.
Speakers: Joyce Stein, RN, BSN, University of Michigan Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Michigan Nurses Association; Rebecca Meuninck, Environmental Health Campaign Director, Ecology Center, Michigan Network for Children's Environmental Health
Session 3: The Role of Health Professionals as Advocates for Public and Environmental Health Through Clean Energy
As unique and trusted public messengers, health professionals have an important role to play in the energy sphere. Polling data shows that nurses are the most trusted messengers in society. This panel will explore historical precedents of public and environmental health advocacy, will examine how health professionals can engage in advocacy to improve Michigan's energy system as a means to improve public health, and will describe way to develop collaborations between health professionals and other organizations.
Speakers: Alan Lockwood, MD, Emeritus Professor of Neurology, University of Buffalo; Pam Ortner, MS, RN, CHPN, Michigan Clean Air Nurse Advocate, Health Care Without Harm; Monica Patel, Policy Specialist, Ecology Center
See the Conference Brochure for more information.