PROBLEM: Historic wildfires in Los Angeles in January 2025 affected the quality of the air, water and soil.
SOLUTION: Region 9/Western States PEHSU promoted their resources to the public and health professionals on the health effects of wildfires on pregnant women and children.
IMPACT: Region 9/Western States PEHSU had such an increase in traffic to their webpages on wildfires that the average number of website visits for the entire year exceeded the average of the previous year by more than 70%, with a 300% increase in downloads. Region 9/Western States PEHSU is regarded as a leading expert on the health impacts of wildfires, specifically with regards to impacts on children’s health. Staff presented wildfire impacts on children’s health as well as strategies for prevention to more than 6,000 health professionals and members of the public. The PEHSU also developed plans with stakeholders such as the local AAP chapter, a Deputy Chief Medical Officer and the Executive Director of a local health provider non-profit, to lead a targeted training series that includes wildfires and air pollution for health providers in both Richmond, CA and Maui, HI, two communities that have historically faced devastating environmental health threats and cumulative impacts.