Public health researchers develop drought response guide

https://www.unmc.edu/newsroom/2024/05/08/public-health-researchers-develop-drought-response-guide/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery Drought Response Guide for Public Health Professionals and Healthcare Providers From worsening water quality to respiratory and metal health impacts, drought can have profound and widespread impacts on the health of communities across the nation. To better prepare health professionals’ response to these impacts, a UNMC College of Public Health research team recently released a guide to assist health care providers and public health officials in communicating about the health risks of drought with their patients and communities. “Drought is often overlooked as a human health threat in the United States,” said co-author, Jesse Bell, PhD, Claire M. Hubbard Professor of Water, Climate and Health. “However, we are starting to better identify the health impacts of drought. For example, our team has identified increases in respiratory mortality, heat-related mortality and reported stress associated with drought events.” The guide is a product of a multi-year effort supported by NOAA’s National Integrated Drought Information System, the NASA Health & Air Quality Program and the Claire M. Hubbard Foundation.