Outreach & Advocacy Committee
This joint committee is exploring ways in which we can draw on our expertise to advocate for legislation and resources oriented around the mental health impacts of climate change to leaders.
Much of the committee’s current work is focused on advocacy to state and local governments. Committee members take the lead on advocacy in their own localities, with the support and guidance of the broader committee. Highlights of recent efforts include:
Meetings in 2023 with leaders in Massachusetts, including the Climate Chief, Cabinet officers, Senate President, and other elected and appointed officials. These meetings took place while the new administration of Gov. Maura Healey was developing new climate change policies and programs.
To learn about the topics covered in these meetings, see our initial letter to the Climate Chief and follow-up letters to Senators and Cabinet secretaries.
In the District of Columbia, we provided testimony to the DC Commission on Climate Change and Resiliency and the DC Council, advocated for inclusion of climate change in continuing education for health professionals, and made presentations to various health and environmental groups.
See our testimony (and slides) to the Commission and letter to the Director of the Department of Health.
In New York State, we were invited to Albany to present to elected officials and partake in a press conference aimed at educating on the psychological risks of climate change and potential related solutions, all to encourage legislative action. Information related to this event can be found here. We continue to collaborate with elected officials and intend to return to the state capital.
See related press release entitled, “Harckham, Levenberg Join Subject Matter Experts And Youth Advocates” for “Youth Mental Health and the Climate Crisis: Science and Strategies”
In Pennsylvania we are working to educate local health officials and professionals about the mental and behavioral health impacts of climate change. See slides for presentations made in Lehigh County in July 2024 and November 2024.
Advocacy in Connecticut, including testimony to the state legislature and communications with the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
In 2022, we made recommendations to the transition team for the incoming administration of Gov. Wes Moore.
The Outreach and Advocacy Committee does state-based policy advocacy. Recently, after several committee members had successful engagements with state experts and lawmakers, committee members have been networking in their states with individuals and groups with a shared interest in climate and health/mental health. Biweekly committee meetings have featured guest speakers with expertise in climate activism and politics, to help us develop our advocacy skills and strategy.
As we close out this year we are celebrating successful engagements with lawmakers in several states and the building out of robust state-based teams. As we look forward to 2026, we welcome any new members who are interested in policy advocacy, and we look forward to continuing advocating in our states.