About this course

Following a short overview of the causes and mechanisms of climate change, the course reviews current and expected human health impacts, with particular emphasis on impacts in Vermont and the northeast. These include heat-related illness, water-related impacts, vector borne diseases, air quality impacts, and mental health and well-being. Because climate change affects some people more than others, populations of concern and measures of vulnerability are addressed. The course culminates with examples of strategies used in Vermont and nationally to reduce climate change impacts on health and to improve health through climate change mitigation actions. Learners can select Level 1 for an overview or Level 2 for a deeper exploration of the five types of health impacts.

What you'll learn

After completing this course, you will be able to...

• Explain how and why the climate is changing.
• List the health conditions exacerbated by climate change, explain how weather/climate affects each health condition, and how we expect future climate change to modify health risks.
• List those populations more vulnerable to the effects of climate change and explain why they are vulnerable.
• Describe the health co-benefits of climate change mitigation strategies.
• Describe climate adaptation and preparedness strategies to reduce climate-related health risks.

Subject Matter Experts

• 
  Jared Ulmer, MPH, AICP

  Climate & Health
  Program Coordinator,
  Vermont Department of Health

• 
  Lynn Blevins, MD, MPH

  Clinical Assistant
  Professor,
  University of Vermont
  College of Medicine



• 
  David Grass, PhD

  Environmental Health
  Surveillance Chief,
  Vermont Department of Health

• 
  Elizabeth Faye, MPH

  Instructional Technologist
  Activist Lab,
  BU School of
  Public Health

Enrollment and Contact Hours

Note there are two different options for enrolling in this course highlighted in the table below.

The Certificate of Completion will include the length of the module. Contact hours may be applicable towards continuing education requirements for certain credentials. Check with your credentialing body to verify if the topic meets its continuing education requirements.

Having trouble accessing the course? Contact support@nephtc.org

Acknowledgement:

This project is/was supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number UB6HP27877 “Regional Public Health Training Center Program”. This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.

About this course

This course reviews the four health hazards common to recreational waters: biological, chemical, physical, and cyanobacteria (blue-green algae). Information is provided on water sampling and testing, visual monitoring, reporting, and recreational water management (i.e., beach closure, signage). This training is intended for the environmental public health workforce, state and municipal employees responsible for management of recreational waters, as well as anyone interested in understanding how recreational waters are monitored and managed from a public health perspective.

This training is intended for public health and environmental personnel, state and municipal employees responsible for management of recreational waters, citizen scientists participating in a cyanobacteria monitoring program, as well as anyone interested in learning about cyanobacteria and how recreational waters are monitored and managed from a public health perspective.

While the regulations and administrative processes cited are specific to Vermont, the underlying science and public health implications are applicable to all states and jurisdictions.

What you'll learn

After completing this course, you will be able to address the following questions.

• Identify common recreational water hazards
• Describe regulations and strategies to prevent recreational waterborne illnesses
• Describe methods to monitor, sample, and test recreational water
• Explain the process for posting warning signs and closing beaches

Subject Matter Expert

• 
  Lynn Blevins

  Clinical Assistant Professor
  University of Vermont
  College of Medicine

Enrollment and Contact Hours

Note there are two different options for enrolling in this course highlighted in the table below.

The Certificate of Completion will include the length of the module. Generally 50 – 60 minutes is equivalent to 1 contact hour. Contact hours may be applicable towards continuing education requirements for certain credentials. Check with your credentialing body to verify if the topic meets its continuing education requirements.

If you wish to receive contact hours in Massachusetts, please go to the Massachusetts-specific training on Recreational Waters.

About this course

This course provides an overview of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) and the risks it poses to people and pets. Learn how to monitor recreational waters for cyanobacteria (including distinguishing it from look-alikes), manage recreational waters when cyanobacteria is present, and track blooms. Information is provided on documentation through photographs, water sampling and reporting systems.

This training is intended for public health and environmental personnel, state and municipal employees responsible for management of recreational waters, citizen scientists participating in a cyanobacteria monitoring program, as well as anyone interested in learning about cyanobacteria and how recreational waters are monitored and managed from a public health perspective.

This training was developed in conjunction with the University of Vermont, Vermont Department of Health, and Lake Champlain Committee to address the concern about water quality in Vermont. Therefore, the regulations and administrative processes cited are specific to Vermont. However, the underlying science and public health implications are applicable to all states and jurisdictions.

What you'll learn

After completing this course, you will be able to answer the following questions.

• What are cyanobacteria?
• What are the risks to people and pets?
• How do you monitor for it?
• What should you do if you find it?
• How can you track instances?

Subject Matter Expert

• 
  Lynn Blevins

  Clinical Assistant Professor
  University of Vermont
  College of Medicine

Enrollment and Contact Hours

Note there are two different options for enrolling in this course highlighted in the table below.

The Certificate of Completion will include the length of the module. Generally 50 – 60 minutes is equivalent to 1 contact hour. Contact hours may be applicable towards continuing education requirements for certain credentials. Check with your credentialing body to verify if the topic meets its continuing education requirements.

If you wish to receive contact hours in Massachusetts, please go to the Massachusetts-specific training on Recreational Waters.

About this course

Discover how worsening air quality impacts respiratory health and learn actionable strategies to support individuals in managing respiratory conditions. This interactive session will provide Community Health Workers with essential tools to reduce exposure to air pollutants and deliver effective care in challenging environments.

What you'll learn

After completing the training, you will be able to...

• Describe key strategies for community health workers to support individuals with respiratory conditions in areas impacted by worsening air quality and extreme weather.
• Identify practical skills and tools community health workers can use to address respiratory health emergencies, including effective communication techniques and protective measures.
• Discuss methods for collaborating with local healthcare providers and environmental agencies to deliver coordinated care during air quality crises.
• Develop individualized respiratory health management plans that consider individuals' unique needs and circumstances in rural and underserved communities.

Subject Matter Expert

• Maddie Blair, MPH
  Manager | Nationwide Health Promotions,
  American Lung Association

  
  

Enrollment and Contact Hours

Select the Enroll Me button below to register for this course. If you have any trouble accessing the recording, contact  support@nephtc.org.

Acknowledgement: This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of award 2 UB6HP31685‐05‐00 “Public Health Training Centers.” The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.

About this course

This session will address the growing challenge of disease-carrying vectors and their impact on Maine communities. You'll gain practical strategies to prevent and control vector-borne diseases, equipping you with the knowledge and resources to support the communities your health center serves.

This course is provided in partnership with Maine Public Health Association and Maine Primary Care Association

What you'll learn

After completing the training, you will be able to...

• Understand the Epidemiology of Vector-Borne Diseases: Participants will be able to describe the types and characteristics of vectors responsible for disease transmission in Maine, including their habitats, life cycles, and the diseases they carry.
• Identify Prevention Strategies: Attendees will learn and evaluate various strategies for preventing vector-borne diseases, such as personal protective measures, environmental management, and community-level interventions.
• Implement Effective Control Measures: Health professionals will gain practical knowledge on how to implement and promote effective vector control measures, including the use of insecticides, habitat modification, and public education campaigns.
• Utilize Resources and Support Systems: Participants will be equipped with information on available resources and support systems.

Subject Matter Expert

• 
  Megan Porter

  
  

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Megan Porter is a veterinarian and an Infectious Disease Health Educator at Maine CDC. She received her DVM from Michigan State University in 2017. Prior to moving to Maine, she studied the biology and ecology of deer ticks in Michigan, working with veterinarians to collect ticks from companion dogs to map the invasion of deer ticks in the state. Megan’s current work as a Health Educator involves translating current science and public health recommendations for infectious diseases into messages that are relevant and easy to apply to Mainer’s everyday lives.

Enrollment and Contact Hours

Select the Enroll Me button below to register for this course. If you have any trouble accessing the recording, contact  support@nephtc.org.

Acknowledgement: This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of award 2 UB6HP31685‐05‐00 “Public Health Training Centers.” The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.

About this course

Join us for Disaster Preparedness and Response 101, a session designed to enhance support for older adults in rural areas during extreme weather emergencies. This session will provide Community Health Workers with the skills needed to respond effectively to health emergencies, foster collaboration with emergency management agencies and healthcare providers for a coordinated response and develop personalized disaster plans tailored to individual needs.

What you'll learn

After completing the training, you will be able to...

1.    Describe key strategies for Community Health Workers to effectively support older adults in rural areas during extreme weather emergencies.

2.    Identify practical skills and tools community health workers can use to respond to health emergencies associated with disasters, including communication techniques and safety measures.

3.    Discuss methods for collaborating with local emergency management agencies and healthcare providers to create a coordinated disaster response tailored to the needs of older adults.

4.    Develop individualized disaster preparedness plans that consider the unique health needs and circumstances of older adults living in rural communities.

Subject Matter Expert

Established in 2017, the National Center for Equitable Care for Elders (NCECE) is a program of the Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM), located in Boston, MA. Supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), NCECE operates under the National Training and Technical Assistance Partners (NTTAP) designation. NTTAPs provide free Training and Technical Assistance (T/TA) to support health center grantees and look-alikes.

• 
  Dr. Christine Riedy
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Dr. Christine Riedy is the Delta Dental of Massachusetts Associate Professor in Oral Public Health and Epidemiology at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine. She is also a psychologist and health services researcher. Dr Riedy oversees the development of the training and the technical assistance modules, the testing with the Learning Collaborative, and the plan for dissemination. Her previous research has been primarily focused on the understanding and prevention of dental caries, particularly in underserved and diverse populations. Dr. Riedy's previously funded studies (HRSA, NIH-NIDCR) focused on the intergenerational aspect of dental disease and behavioral strategies for promoting prenatal dental visits to potentially prevent the initial transmission of infection between mothers and their children. Dr. Riedy’s more recent focus has been on the integration of health care, particularly medical, dental, and behavioral integration. She sits on the Advisory Board for the Harvard School of Dental Medicine Initiative to Integrate Oral Health and Medicine. Dr. Riedy has current funding from HRSA related to the integration of oral health and general health. She is the Lead PI/PD on a HRSA-funded cooperative agreement, “Center for Evaluating Integration of Oral Health into Primary Care Training”. Dr. Riedy draws experience from her extensive work with vulnerable and underserved populations and her current work developing oral health competencies for primary caregivers.

• 
  Tiffany Kehayoglou Sarkissian
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Tiffany Kehayoglou Sarkissian joined NCECE in 2021 from the Harvard School of Dental Medicine Office of Continuing Professional Education. Prior to joining HSDM, she held a research assistant position within Harvard Chan School of Public Health's Department of Environmental Health. Tiffany serves as the Communications Coordinator for NCECE, overseeing health center outreach and engagement, and contributing to the Center's publications and learning activities. She has an extensive background in communications, higher education, writing, and physical fitness/wellness programming, and has a lifelong passion for helping disadvantaged populations. Tiffany also holds a communications role with the Harvard School of Dental Medicine Initiative to Integrate Oral Health and Medicine, to spread awareness of the integration of oral health and overall health.

• 
  Juliette Provost
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Juliette Provost serves as the Staff Assistant at NCECE, providing administrative support for the Center’s activities and day-to-day operations. She joins us from Simmons University where she earned a BA in English and served as an Office Assistant to Accessibility Services and was the Senior Administrative Assistant to the CIO.

Enrollment and Contact Hours

Select the Enroll Me button below to register for this course. If you have any trouble accessing the recording, contact  support@nephtc.org.

Acknowledgement: This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of award 2 UB6HP31685‐05‐00 “Public Health Training Centers.” The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.

About this course

This session will provide an overview of how extreme weather events and climate variations contribute to increased health issues, with a focus on identifying the vulnerable populations and communities most at risk. Community health workers and support roles will gain valuable insights and resources to help support the communities they serve.

What you'll learn

After completing the training, you will be able to...

• Understand the Health Impacts of Extreme Weather and Climate Variations: Participants will be able to describe how extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, hurricanes, and floods, contribute to various health issues.
• Identify Vulnerable Populations at Risk: Participants will learn to identify which populations and communities are most vulnerable to the health impacts of extreme weather and climate variations.
• Explore Strategies for Community Health Support: Participants will gain insights into effective strategies and resources that can be used by community health workers to support and protect vulnerable populations during extreme weather events.
• Utilize Resources and Support Systems: By the end of this webinar, you will be equipped with information on available resources.

Subject Matter Expert

• 
  Jen Boothroyd

  
  

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Jen is the Manager of Environmental Sustainability at Northern Light Health, a role that builds on her career in regional planning, environmental science, and public administration in Maine. She has held this role for a year, and has been with Northern Light for nearly seven years. Jen holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology and Environmental Science from the University of Maine at Farmington, and a master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Maine. She is a lifelong Mainer, and lives in Brewer with her two children.

Enrollment and Contact Hours

Select the Enroll Me button below to register for this course. If you have any trouble accessing the recording, contact  support@nephtc.org.

Acknowledgement: This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of award 2 UB6HP31685‐05‐00 “Public Health Training Centers.” The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.

About this course

Join us for a webinar led by Migrant Clinicians Network, designed specifically for Community Health Workers (CHWs). This session will explore how climate change affects migrant communities and the unique challenges they face. We will also discuss the crucial role community health workers play in supporting these 

communities and how to prepare for and support those displaced by climate change.

What you'll learn

After completing the training, you will be able to...

1. Identify climate change and its impact on migration, migrants, and health systems;
2. Discuss public health strategies to reach undeserved populations;
3. Discuss the role Community Health Workers can play in supporting migrant communities.

Subject Matter Expert

• 
  Alma Galván, MHC

  
  

More

Alma Galván, MHC (she/her/ella), is the Director of Community Engagement and Worker Training with MCN. Bicultural and bilingual, Galván has worked for more than three decades to improve the health of communities disadvantaged by structural inequities in the United States, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Latin America. Her work has focused on a broad range of public health topics including infectious diseases, environmental health and justice, climate justice, worker health and safety, drug prevention, water and sanitation, cultural competency, and community development water and sanitation. She has worked with community-based organizations and international agencies such as the Pan American Health Organization. At Migrant Clinicians Network, she fosters innovative and participatory approaches to building capacity among immigrant and migrant communities and other underserved populations. She contributes to the development, implementation, and evaluation of multiple projects. Galván has extensive expertise in providing technical assistance and developing culturally contextual curricula and educational materials for Limited English Proficiency and low-literacy adult learners, community health workers, health professionals, health educators, and clinicians. Her unique approach to adult learning and expansive expertise in community-based approaches to health promotion helped hundreds of community health workers, clinicians and health department personnel bring culturally contextual COVID-19 resources and strategies to immigrant and migrant communities in order to promote vaccination and address mis/disinformation. Galván has worked extensively with MCN partners, community-based organizations, health agencies, and local and state health departments promoting health equity through language access and cultural competency. Galván has a strong health and social science background and has designed, implemented, and assessed programs for over 30 years. Galván is bilingual in English and Spanish. She is passionate and committed to addressing health inequities and lessening disparities. In her free time, Galván spends time with her family, and enjoys movies, reading, and learning about different cultures. 

Enrollment and Contact Hours

Select the Enroll Me button below to register for this course. If you have any trouble accessing the recording, contact  support@nephtc.org.

Acknowledgement: This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of award 2 UB6HP31685‐05‐00 “Public Health Training Centers.” The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.

About this course

This session will delve into the disproportionate impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities and explore effective strategies for advocating equitable access to healthcare services and resources. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how climate change exacerbates health disparities and learn actionable approaches to support and protect those most at risk.

What you'll learn

After completing the training, you will be able to...

1. Understand Disproportionate Impacts: Identify how climate change disproportionately affects vulnerable communities, particularly within Justice 40 Communities in Maine, and recognize specific health disparities that are exacerbated by climate change.
2. Advocate for Equitable Healthcare Access: Learn effective strategies to advocate for equitable access to healthcare services and resources for communities most at risk. Understand the role of Community Health Workers (CHWs) in supporting climate resilience and health equity.
3. Develop Actionable Approaches: Learn about actionable approaches and interventions to mitigate the health impacts of climate change on vulnerable populations. Explore best practices and community-based strategies to enhance climate resiliency among undeserved communities.
4. Resource Utilization: Access and utilize resources provided during the webinar to support ongoing efforts in addressing climate health disparities.

Subject Matter Expert

• 
  Ben Fulgencio-Turner

  
  

More

Ben Fulgencio-Turner leads the Climate for Health program, a national initiative to build climate leadership and action in the health sector, advancing solutions that protect personal and community health. Ben started his career as a community organizer in New Orleans, supporting neighborhood leaders and building power in communities recovering from Hurricane Katrina. He has studied and worked within systems of safety-net health care for over fourteen years, developing cross-sector partnerships to address root causes of health inequities. He received a BA from Tulane University and a MPP from Georgetown University.

• 
  Jess Hinshaw

  
  

More

Jess Hinshaw is the Director of Environmental Health in the Population Health Division at the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC). In her role, she works alongside community health centers engaging in environmental health work and oversees initiatives that build climate resilience, promote learning about the health impacts of climate change, and address environmental justice issues. Jess’s work has focused on community-based participatory research in public health and environmental health. Before coming to NACHC, Jess held various positions with AMOS Health and Hope in Managua, Nicaragua focused on community based primary health care. She also served as the Health Equity Evaluator at the New Mexico Department of Health in response to COVID-19. In addition to her role at NACHC, Jess leads a course on Monitoring and Evaluation for non-profits and civil society organizations at the United Nations University for Peace, in San Jose, Costa Rica. Jess received her Master of Public Health from Vanderbilt University and is also currently a doctoral candidate at the George Washington University.

Enrollment and Contact Hours

Select the Enroll Me button below to register for this course. If you have any trouble accessing the recording, contact  support@nephtc.org.

Acknowledgement: This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of award 2 UB6HP31685‐05‐00 “Public Health Training Centers.” The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.

About this Webinar

Join us to learn about Project REACH, a free resource for sharing information about community and health care interventions that could work in your community and/or health care setting. We have created easy-to- understand summaries of different studies and provided links to the full study materials if you want more in-depth information.

What you'll learn

After attending this webinar, participants will be able to:

• Understand the importance of planning and ensuring research is disseminated in multiple ways to reach end users and increase the use of evidence to improve health outcomes.
• Promote awareness of a new project called REACH: Research Evidence for Action for Community Health, which is testing strategies to enhance research dissemination.
• Learn about the methods REACH uses to foster collaborations and increase stakeholder participation in the REACH process.
• Discover opportunities to get involved: provide your input and ideas to help promote the REACH project.

Subject Matter Experts

• 
  

  Lisbeth Balligan
  

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Ms. Balligan brings over 15 years of experience in research and public health to provide overall programmatic support to investigators and project staff. Most of her work focuses on T4 research including clinical implementation and population health integration of research findings, including dissemination. Ms. Balligan coordinates activities and facilitates the development and maintenance of partnerships and research collaborations across clinical and community settings Maine by championing a community-engaged approach to research.
In her role on the Northern New England Clinical and Translational Research Network, Ms. Balligan directs the development of regional community engagement research councils across Maine to allow for meaningful participation in evaluation and research among community members and partners, clinical investigators and researchers. In Western Maine, Ms. Balligan recently co-facilitated a project to elevate community voices about the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences by developing a public awareness campaign in Western Maine. Ms. Balligan is serving as co- investigator on a Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) grant to build capacity for research dissemination and translation into practice. The study aims to create a robust, sustainable infrastructure for disseminating evidence to organizations and leaders to address the needs of patients and communities in rural Maine.

• 
  

  Carrie Sullivan
  

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Carolyn (Carrie) Sullivan is a member of the Research Navigation team at the MaineHealth Institute for Research. Her work focuses primarily on promoting health research in rural communities, particularly Midcoast Maine, as part of the Northern New England Clinical and Translational Research (NNE-CTR) Network.,
Carrie has a bachelor’s degree in Community Health Education from University of Wisconsin and a Master’s in Public Health Administration from School of Public Health at the University of Minnesota. Her passion and training are in working at the community level to translate research into practice in ways the produce demonstrable improvements in public health. Carrie’s previously worked at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, that National Cancer Institute, and the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University before joining Maine Medical Research Institute.

Registration

Select the Enroll Me button below to register for this recording. If you have any trouble accessing the recording, contact support@nephtc.org.

Acknowledgement: This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of award 2 UB6HP31685‐05‐00 “Public Health Training Centers.” The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.

About this Webinar

What you'll learn

At the end of the Webinar, participants will be able to:

• Identify strategies for educating Community Health Workers on climate resiliency and explain how these strategies can be applied in their communities.

• Summarize the key findings from the project and recommend best practices for future climate resiliency education for CHWs.

Subject Matter Expert

• 
  

  Leslie Lorentzen

  Workforce Program Manager, Maine Primary Care Association

More

Leslie Lorentzen is passionate about advancing public health by leveraging innovative strategies, fostering collaboration, and using data to drive meaningful change. Her work focuses on tackling challenges in workforce development and addressing the health impacts of environmental and climate-related issues.

With a commitment to equity and inclusion, Leslie creates opportunities that empower diverse communities and advance sustainable, long-term solutions. She is dedicated to fostering collaboration and building inclusive initiatives that contribute to a more just and resilient public health landscape.

Registration

Select the Enroll Me button below to register for this recording. If you have any trouble accessing the recording, contact support@nephtc.org.

_{Acknowledgement: This project is/was supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number UB6HP31685 “Regional Public Health Training Center Program.” This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.}

About this Webinar

Over the past 45 years, Maine’s Bottle Bill program has been extremely effective at reducing litter, increasing recycling, creating jobs, funding charities, and reducing costs for municipalities and taxpayers. The Bottle Bill is a critical foundation for Maine’s recycling culture and remains as important and relevant as ever. Maine's legislature recently passed two bills to keep redemption centers in business and modernize the system. The discussions highlighted the special role that redemption centers play in keeping this program going, and the unique job opportunities they provide. Many of the owners do not turn much profit but do the work because they recognize it is environmental and social significance. The new laws will provide opportunity to further strengthen this program, reduce waste, and create more jobs.

What you'll learn

At the end of the recording, participants will be able to:

• Explain how the Bottle Bill supports jobs in Maine and what happens to the unclaimed deposits. 
  
• Compare effectiveness of recycling and litter reduction with other types of recycling programs.
• Discuss potential of recently passed and future legislation. 
  
  

Subject Matter Expert

• 
  

  Sarah Nichols
  Sustainable Maine Director
  
  

More

Sarah is a waste policy expert and leads NRCM’s local and state efforts to reduce waste and litter, encourage reuse, and increase recycling and composting in Maine. Prior to joining NRCM in 2014, she spent several years working to improve recycling programs in rural communities. She earned a master’s degree from the Bren School of Environmental Science and Management at the University of California Santa Barbara, where she specialized in environmental policy, and has a bachelor’s degree from the University of New Hampshire in Environmental & Resource Economics. Sarah is from Bath and resides in Cumberland.

• 
  

  Shandra Rubchinuk
  Co-Owner of Jansel Redemption Center

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Shandra has been in Maine for 22 years and lives in Winthrop. She opened a children’s second hand store in order to be at home with her children and saw a need to reduce reuse and recycle. The store has been open for 10 years, children Luke & Aalayah are now 11 & 13. Her partner Jason worked for his uncle for 23 years counting and sorting bottles at a redemption center that was open for 40 years. His uncle finally retired and the two opened JANSEL Redemption center in Jan of 2023. They streamlined the process and are busier than ever.

• 
  

  Mike Noel
  Public Affairs Director, TOMRA

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Mike is a corporate sustainability and public affairs expert with working experience across the public, private and civil sectors. At TOMRA, the world’s largest provider of recycling and reuse technology, Mike advises policymakers on packaging and textiles waste management and reuse policies. TOMRA operates in over 40 jurisdictions around the world with refillable and single-use container deposit return systems and EPR policies. The first project of TOMRA’s Reuse venture includes operating a reusable take-out packaging program in Denmark. Mike is the co- author of “Rewarding Recycling: Learnings from the World’s Highest Performing Deposit Systems”. Prior to joining TOMRA, Mike was a Strategy Director at Futerra where he advised multinationals including Google, Target and 3M on their circular economy and climate strategies. Mike studied Marketing and Environmental Policy at Fordham University where he led a successful campaign to establish the University's Sustainable Business program. Mike is based in Connecticut where he is busy trying to get his 5 year old twins to eat their vegetables.

Registration

Select the Enroll Me button below to register for this recording. If you have any trouble accessing the recording, contact support@nephtc.org.

Acknowledgement: This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Deparment of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of award 2 UB6HP31685‐05‐00 “Public Health Training Centers.” The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.

About this Webinar

In this Webinar series, you will get to know two important environmental health issues: extreme heat and air pollution. We will discuss important concepts and research methods through case-studies on specific projects conducted in the City of Chelsea, Massachusetts.

What you'll learn

At the end of the webinar, participants will be able to:

• Explain key environmental health concepts, risk factors for various environmental exposures, vulnerable populations, environmental (in)justice, quantitative research methods, qualitative research methods, and community-engaged approaches.
• Demonstrate a deeper understanding of two important environmental exposures of concern in the context of an environmental justice community: extreme heat and air pollution.
• Identify facilitators and barriers that different community partners face when communicating environmental health risks.  
• Discuss relevant environmental health policy and regulatory applications. 

Subject Matter Experts

• 
  

  Alina McIntyre
  

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Alina McIntyre is a Ph.D. Candidate in the Department of Environmental Health at the Boston University School of Public Health. After earning a Bachelor’s degree in both Community Health and Spanish at Tufts University, Alina completed a Master’s degree in Environmental Health and Engineering at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Her research is part of the Chelsea and East Boston Heat Study (C-HEAT), a collaborative project between GreenRoots, Inc. and BUSPH. She is specifically involved in community-engaged heat and air pollution exposure research, drawing on environmental epidemiology, exposure assessment, and qualitative methods.

• 
  

  Bianca Navarro Bowman
  

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Bianca Navarro Bowman is the Climate Justice Coordinator at GreenRoots, Inc. She is passionate about building community knowledge, power, and leadership to combat the unequal distribution of the effects of climate change. At GreenRoots, she leads and supports projects that focus on centering resident involvement and perspectives in advancing community climate resilience and adaptation. Bianca loves working with community members and coworkers to improve the ability of EJ populations to safely navigate increasing summer heat temperatures, flood impacts, and decarbonization efforts that threaten to leave low- and middle-income folks and people of color behind in the clean energy transition. She is originally from the Washington, DC area and graduated from the College of William & Mary in Virginia. She studied English Literature and Environmental Science & Policy and has a background in community-based citizen science research, environmental field work and forest fire management work.





Registration

Select the Enroll Me button below to register for this recording. If you have any trouble accessing the recording, contact support@nephtc.org.



Acknowledgement: This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of award 2 UB6HP31685‐05‐00 “Public Health Training Centers.” The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.

About this Webinar

In this Webinar series, you will get to know two important environmental health issues: extreme heat and air pollution. We will discuss important concepts and research methods through case-studies on specific projects conducted in the City of Chelsea, Massachusetts.

What you'll learn

At the end of the webinar, participants will be able to:

• Explain key environmental health concepts, risk factors for various environmental exposures, vulnerable populations, environmental (in)justice, quantitative research methods, qualitative research methods, and community-engaged approaches.
• Demonstrate a deeper understanding of two important environmental exposures of concern in the context of an environmental justice community: extreme heat and air pollution.
• Identify facilitators and barriers that different community partners face when communicating environmental health risks.  
• Discuss relevant environmental health policy and regulatory applications. 

Subject Matter Experts

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  Alina McIntyre
  

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Alina McIntyre is a Ph.D. Candidate in the Department of Environmental Health at the Boston University School of Public Health. After earning a Bachelor’s degree in both Community Health and Spanish at Tufts University, Alina completed a Master’s degree in Environmental Health and Engineering at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Her research is part of the Chelsea and East Boston Heat Study (C-HEAT), a collaborative project between GreenRoots, Inc. and BUSPH. She is specifically involved in community-engaged heat and air pollution exposure research, drawing on environmental epidemiology, exposure assessment, and qualitative methods.





Registration

Select the Enroll Me button below to register for this recording. If you have any trouble accessing the recording, contact support@nephtc.org.



Acknowledgement: This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of award 2 UB6HP31685‐05‐00 “Public Health Training Centers.” The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.

About this Webinar

In this first session on per and poly fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), we will focus on identification of PFAS as a large group of chemicals, how PFAS are defined, how people are exposed to a small subset of the PFAS chemicals that are currently regulated in drinking water sources around New England. We will also discuss evidence for population health concerns, as well as efforts being taken in the region to address PFAS.

What you'll learn

At the end of the webinar, participants will be able to:

• Define PFAS and list 6-7 PFA chemicals of importance
• Identify the key exposure sources in people in New England
• Describe the health concerns associated with the 6-7 PFAS chemicals
• Discuss the efforts in New England and federally to address PFAS

Subject Matter Expert

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  Wendy Heiger-Bernays
  

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Wendy Heiger-Bernays, PhD is Professor of Environmental Health at the BU School of Public Health where she has spent decades applying her expertise in toxicology and risk assessment to research and translation around environmental chemical exposures. She serves as Chair of her local Board of Health, as a member of the Massachusetts Toxics Use Reduction Act Science Advisory Board and is on the Science Advisory Chemicals Committee for the Federal EPA Toxics Substances Control Act.





Registration

Select the Enroll Me button below to register for this recording. If you have any trouble accessing the recording, contact support@nephtc.org.



Acknowledgement: This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of award 2 UB6HP31685‐05‐00 “Public Health Training Centers.” The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.