Our Values

 

Climate change is linked to health —Climate change is real and a threat to the health of all Virginians, so VCCA focuses on protecting our patients and communities through education, community outreach, and advocacy around climate policy solutions.

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Clinician voice is trusted — Health professionals from a range of medical disciplines have a stake and a trusted voice in the subject of climate change and health.

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Nonpartisan action is effective — VCCA is not a partisan body; we focus on climate and health and support laws and initiatives that promote the health of our patients and communities.

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Climate change is related to justice — Climate policies must consider factors related to social justice and be sensitive to the needs of communities who bear a disproportionate share of negative health impacts due to climate change.

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Health is the area of focus — Though a healthy environment is fundamental to health, VCCA’s expertise and focus lies in the policies and programs that explicitly address the human health impact of environmental policies.

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Evidence is important — VCCA members are part of the scientific community, contributing to climate change research and evaluating climate literature to promote evidence-based recommendations on health policies. 

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Our Work

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Advocacy

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Climate policy is health policy. VCCA clinicians provide credible, health-based perspectives on climate policy solutions to ensure that policies prioritize the health of our citizens and communities. During our annual Health and Climate Lobby Day, dozens of clinicians and health students from across the state gather in Richmond to advocate on behalf of their patients for clean energy solutions. We also provide opportunities throughout the year for our members to engage in advocacy around climate policy solutions.

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Education & Research

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VCCA brings educational events on climate and health to medical centers across Virginia. With partners, we coordinate conferences with experts from Virginia’s academic centers and beyond. These events help educate practicing clinicians on what changes in the climate mean for the health of their patients.

 

Our clinician leaders give lectures at hospitals and clinics across the state. We have delivered presentations at Inova Fairfax and Alexandria Hospitals, University of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Carilion Clinic, and others.

 

VCCA is proud to participate in the newly formed Virginia Department of Health Climate Change Committee, launched in 2019, and we applaud the Department of Health for this initiative.

 

Community Outreach  

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VCCA collaborates with community leaders to educate and empower the public around local and state climate-related policies that impact our health and welfare. We testify at public hearings, participate in review groups on energy and environmental policy, and publish letters and opinion pieces that support climate policy solutions. We also deliver presentations to community organizations, helping the public understand what a changing climate means for the health of families and communities.