August 31 -- Executive Order 14008, Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad, section 222(d), directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish an Office of Climate Change and Health Equity to address the impact of climate change on the health of the American people. This amendment [to Statement of Organization, Function, and Delegation of Authority for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services] reflects the establishment of an office to address the impact of climate change on the health of the American people and to empower individuals through information, data, and scientific approaches to pursue environmental justice. Specifically, this notice establishes the Office of Climate Change and Health Equity in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health (OASH).
OCCHE shall work with the Immediate Office of the Secretary, Staff Divisions, and Operating Divisions to focus on:
—Identifying communities with disproportionate exposures to climate hazards and vulnerable populations.
—Addressing health disparities exacerbated by climate impacts to enhance community health resilience.
—Promoting and translating research on public health benefits of multi-sectoral climate actions.
—Supporting regulatory efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and criteria air pollution throughout the health care sector, including participating suppliers and providers.
—Fostering innovation in climate adaptation and resilience for people and communities experiencing a disproportionate share of climate impacts and health inequities.
—Providing expertise and coordination to the White House and other Federal agencies related to climate change and health equity deliverables and activities, including executive order implementation, and reporting on health adaptation actions under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
—Promoting training opportunities to build the climate and health workforce and empower communities.
—Exploring opportunities to partner with the philanthropic and private sectors to support innovative programming to address disparities and health sector transformation.
FR notice announcing OCCHE creation:
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/08/31/2021-18794/establishment-of-the-office-of-climate-change-and-health-equity
OCCHE website:
https://www.hhs.gov/ocche/index.html