Leveraging Data to Drive Effective Heat Protection Policies

There is an increased need to fill heat-health data gaps to ensure the effective design and implementation of public policies at the local and state levels, as well as private policies within organizations and systems (e.g., health care). Data-informed heat policy is essential to protect communities from harmful heat exposure and adverse health outcomes. Timely, representative, accessible, and transparent data, ideally collected with and governed by communities, are also critical for calling for, evaluating, and continually improving heat policy. 

Given this context, the National Academy of Medicine Climate Communities Network will host a virtual convening (with optional pre- and post-sessions) to bring together community members, decision-makers, and others working at the intersection of heat, health, and policy. The convening will spotlight actionable strategies to address data gaps and share lessons from the design and implementation of exemplar heat policies. The event will also demonstrate how data-informed policy can reduce heat-related deaths and safeguard community health. Attendees will leave with practical tools, tailored to their spheres of influence, to advance effective, community-informed heat policy.

Agenda overview

• 12:00–12:45 PM: Policy 101 Primer (Optional)
• 1:00-1:15 PM: Opening Remarks
• 1:15–2:00 PM: Panel #1: Public Policy at the State and Local Level to Protect Community Health
• 2:00–2:45 PM: Panel #2: Private Policy within Organizations and Systems to Protect Patients and Workers
• 2:45–3:15 PM: Audience Exchange
• 3:15–3:30 PM: Closing: Key Takeaways & Actionable Resources
• 3:30–4:00 PM: Q&A with Speakers (Optional)