🌳IMSPARK: Safeguarding Health in a Changing Climate: HHS's Pledge to Health Equity Amidst Environmental Challenges🌳

🌳Imagine... Safeguarding Health in a Changing Climate: HHS's Pledge to Health Equity Amidst Environmental Challenges🌳

💡Imagined Endstate:

A commitment extended to disadvantaged communities already grappling with environmental risks. HHS aims to bridge health disparities by addressing key factors, including geographical vulnerability, healthcare access, and socioeconomic challenges.

🔗Link:  

https://www.hhs.gov/ash/ocche/index.html

📚 Source:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2023). Climate Change and Health Equity. 

💥 What's the Big Deal: 

In the face of escalating climate change impacts, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is on a mission to fortify the health and well-being of all, with a special focus on the most vulnerable. From intensified heatwaves to shifts in disease vectors, 🏥HHS is gearing up to tackle existing and emerging health threats exacerbated by climate change🌦️Climate change, intensifying health threats, and societal vulnerabilities intersect in HHS's comprehensive initiative. Recognizing that disadvantaged communities bear a disproportionate burden, the department is taking strategic action. The outlined factors influencing climate change resilience, 🌡️from geographical nuances to access to healthcare and information, underscore the commitment to inclusivity. 🌈 With climate change already impacting health in various ways—from heat-related illnesses to shifts in disease transmission patterns—the HHS initiative is a forward-looking approach. By addressing root causes, promoting awareness, and fortifying healthcare systems, HHS is at the forefront of ensuring health equity in a changing climate.

#HHS,#ClimateChange,#Innovation,#Resilience,#HealthEquity,#IMSPARK, 

IMOA: Fostering Collaboration For Climate Security

IMOA (Imagine Pacific Original Article)

Fostering Collaboration: Matson and PREL's Crucial Role in Establishing the KASL Climate Security Research Station

BY Dr. Gregg Nakano, Ed.D, MALD, MGeo

8/9/2023 

We overcame significant logistical challenges to build the first KASL (1) Climate Security Research Station on Ebadon, a small island on the other side of the Kwajalein Atoll system.

What you may not know is the critical role that Matson and PREL played in that success. 

 

PREL has been working on a four-track education program to help Pacific Island youth based on: 

1-college prep, 

2-vocational skills, 

3-military prep, and 

4-traditional knowledge. 

Since 2017, PREL CEO Paul Hadik has supported the development of Pacific Allies, an experiential service learning program that helps students, cadets and midshipmen understand the climate impact on national security by transforming Kwajalein Atoll into a living sustainability laboratory.

With the support of PREL, Mayor Kabua, KALGOV, Dr. Eric Rasmussen, ONR and all of you - the Pacific Allies effort has slowly grown into KASL (Kwajalein Atoll Sustainability Laboratory), which was officially launched this Summer. 

Only one hiccup... 

Because all of this is done organically and out of hide, our outcomes are always "potluck" and only accomplished through trust, goodwill and sweat equity.

This Spring, as we prepared to build the Irene Paul KASL Climate Security Research Station, we were at a loss, because while the cost of the building materials was only around $8,000, the cost of the shipping would exceed $10,000. 

CEO Paul Hadik reached out to Matson Senior Vice President Vic Angoco to explain the purpose of KASL and how KALGOV was building a whole-of-society approach to strengthen climate security throughout the Pacific.

SVP Angoco immediately reached out to SVP Ku'uhaku Park, Director Government, Community Relations and Matson Giving. 

Working together with Dan Kenney, the KASL Climate Security Research Station designer and Gay Mathews, the Director of Philanthropy for Applied Hope, the non-profit partner to Infinitum Humanitarian Systems (IHS), Matson generously donated their expertise, networks and services to get our building materials from the mainland USA to Ebeye City on Kwajalein. 

As the Marshallese say - Jepilpilin ke ejukaan -

"Accomplishment through Joint Effort." 

Thanks to all of you for your blood, sweat, and tears in bringing KASL into existence. 

Special thanks to Matson for picking up the cost of transporting our equipment and construction materials - which provided us the tools to start.

Editors Note: This article celebrates the successful establishment of the KASL Climate Security Research Station on Ebadon, a small island within the Kwajalein Atoll system and the evolution of the Pacific Allies initiative, supported by PREL, Mayor Kabua, KALGOV, Dr. Eric Rasmussen, ONR, and collaborators, culminated in the launch of KASL. Dr. Nakano is a driving force behind many developmental and climate resiliency efforts in Kwajalein. He is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy, a USMC Veteran, and Alumni of the University of Hawaii-Manoa.

                                            Ref: 

(1) Rasmussen, E., Nakano, G., Kabua, S., & Hatoum, A. (2022). Climate-Focused Field Research within the Kwajalein Atoll Sustainability Laboratory.

🌱 IMSPARK: Pacific Nations Achieving Energy Self-Sufficiency through Renewables 🌱

 

🌱 IMAGINE - Pacific Nations Achieving Energy Self-Sufficiency through Renewables 🌱

 

💡 Imagined Endstate:

Picture a future where the Pacific island nations, often vulnerable to climate change, have transformed into beacons of sustainability. They harness abundant renewable energy sources, achieving energy self-sufficiency and contributing to a greener planet.

📚 Source:

Service, R. F. (2023, July 31). Electrified cement could turn houses and roads into nearly limitless batteries. Science.

🔗 Link:

Science.Org

What's the Big Deal:

🏝️ Imagine Pacific island nations no longer relying on imported fossil fuels. With renewable technology, they become self-sufficient in energy, boosting resilience against economic and climate-related vulnerabilities.🌞 These nations are blessed with ample sunshine, wind, and ocean energy potential. By tapping into these resources, they reduce their carbon footprint and promote environmental conservation.🌍 The transition to renewable energy in the Pacific not only benefits the region but also contributes significantly to global efforts in mitigating climate change. It's a powerful example for the world.🌱 Sustainable Development: Energy self-sufficiency through renewables fosters economic growth, creates jobs, and improves living standards. It's a pathway to sustainable development, preserving these island paradises for future generations.

#selfsufficiency, #renewables, #Resilience, #AdaptableWorkforce, #IMSPARK, #PacificIslands,

🏙️ IMSPARK: Evaluating Disaster Resilience Planning 🏙️

 

🏙️ Imagine Evaluating Disaster Resilience Planning 🏙️

💡 Imagined Endstate:

Picture a future where cities across the globe are equipped with the tools and knowledge to assess and enhance their disaster resilience.

📚 Source:

United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR). (n.d.). Disaster Resilience Scorecard.

🔗 Link:

Disaster Resilience Scorecard

💥 What's the Big Deal:

The Disaster Resilience Scorecard, a comprehensive planning tool, empowers cities to become resilient in the face of natural and man-made disasters, ensuring the safety and well-being of their residents. 📊 The Disaster Resilience Scorecard, developed by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), supported by USAID, European Commission, IBM, AECOM, and other partners, is a groundbreaking tool. 🌪️ It allows local governments to assess their disaster resilience, aligning with UNDRR's Ten Essentials for Making Cities Resilient. 📈 This tool aids local governments in monitoring and reviewing their disaster resilience progress and challenges. 📂 It aligns with the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction: 2015-2030 and serves as a baseline for disaster risk reduction and resilience strategies.

#DisasterResponse,#Resilience,#UNDRR,#ScoreCard,#USAID, #toolkit,#IMSPARK,  

IMSPARK: Safeguarding Our Kupuna in Long-Term Care During Disasters🏥

 

🏥Imagine... Safeguarding Our Kupuna in Long-Term Care During Disasters🏥

💡 Imagined Endstate:

A future where the safety and well-being of our Kupuna (seniors) in long-term care facilities are prioritized during disasters, ensuring they receive timely and comprehensive support.

🔗 Link:

https://www.domesticpreparedness.com/articles/long-term-care-facilities-in-emergency-preparedness-planning

📚 Source:

Scherr, T. M., & Scherr, D. (2023, July 19). Long-Term Care Facilities in Emergency Preparedness Planning.

💥What's the Big Deal:

Long-term care facilities play a vital role in caring for our Kupuna (seniors) in the Pacific, but they face unique challenges during disasters. 👵Older adults are more vulnerable and require specialized care during emergencies. 🌟 This issue intensifies for those in long-term care facilities and it is incumbent to have be well-prepared to safeguard our Kupuna during disasters.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) mandates these facilities conduct risk assessments and establish comprehensive emergency plans to address potential hazards, care-related emergencies, communication interruptions, and power failures. 🌟Evacuation and shelter-in-place strategies must be developed to handle various scenarios like hurricanes, mass infections, and more.

🛡️Past disasters have revealed critical safety failures in some nursing homes, leading to preventable fatalities. To address this, CMS, FEMA, and state agencies are providing resources and guidelines to enhance emergency preparedness in the hopes that establishing response standards, and facilities can improve response capabilities and reduce risks during disasters.

#Kupuna, #LongTermCare, #EmergencyPreparedness #Resilience #ElderCare