North Carolina’s Premier Climate and Health Conference

Organized by CleanAIRE NC, the annual NC BREATHE conference brings together health professionals, policymakers, community leaders, advocates, and students to share strategies and solutions for climate justice and healthier communities in North Carolina. Attendees:

* Learn about the key challenges climate change poses to NC communities
* Discover innovative strategies that are advancing health and equity in NC
* Network and build partnerships with leading voices in health, science, and policy
* Shape recommendations for NC decision-makers to support those most vulnerable to air pollution and climate change

2023 Keynote Speakers

aaron levy atrium health

Dr. Aaron Levy

Pediatrician, Levine Children's Hospital

Pediatrician Dr. Aaron Levy has a firsthand perspective on how climate change and air pollution impacts our most vulnerable population—including environmental justice communities and children struggling with asthma. In his opening address, Dr. Levy will explore the role of healthcare providers to lead on this public health issue through education and patient care. He will then turn toward the role medical institutions play in driving the climate crisis, and how the healthcare industry can take steps to reduce its footprint.

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Mustafa Santiago Ali

Executive Vice President, The National Wildlife Federation

As a thought leader and strategist, Dr. Mustafa Santiago Ali is focused on propelling our most vulnerable communities toward economic and environmental justice. In his address Dr. Ali will discuss his decades of experience in the environmental justice movement. He’ll also look at the role we all play in achieving a truly equitable future, offering guidance on partnering with environmental justice communities and sharing tools for community-driven projects.

Health Equity Panel Discussion

This panel discussion will highlight how health professionals are partnering with environmental justice communities to advance community-driven research and solutions through collecting and utilizing environmental health data that supports interagency and promotes health and equity through policy advocacy.

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Moderator: Crystal Dixon

Wake Forest University

Arlinda Ellison, DHSc, MS

Alamance County Health Department

Virginia Guidry, PhD, MPH

NC Department of Health and Human Services

Chris Heaney

Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

Voices from the Frontline Panel Discussion

Hear from community leaders and groups who are working on the frontline to address the impact of climate change in their communities and beyond. This session could include policy, education, or research efforts.

Moderator: Sherri White-Williamson

NC Conservation Network

Crystal Cavalier-Keck

7 Directions of Service
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Omega Wilson

West End Revitalization Association
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Ana Flores-Dolbow

Toxic Free NC

Youth Panel: Future Climate Justice Leaders

Join this discussion and hear from the next generation of climate leaders as they discuss the evolution of their strategies and experiences working with their communities. This panel will focus on how youth are engaging in the environmental and climate justice movement through leading and collaborating with other student-led and community-based organizations for an intergenerational movement that promotes healthier communities and sustainable changes.

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Moderator: Yancey Fouche

Davidson College
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Harmony Mason

Catawba College

Shruti Agrawal

New Normal X
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Bailey Scarlett

Davidson College

Closing Remarks with Lisa Sorg

lisa sorgBring your vision for environmental justice and health equity into focus with closing remarks by Lisa Sorg, environmental journalist with NC Policy Watch and co-winner of the National Press Foundation Thomas L. Stokes Award for Best Energy and Environment Writing.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

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About the Conference

CleanAIRE NC’s annual NC BREATHE conference brings together a diverse group of North Carolina stakeholders including health professionals, researchers, students, frontline communities, and policymakers to learn about current issues at the intersection of health, equity and climate change. Using evidence-based science, we make recommendations to decision-makers aimed at protecting those most vulnerable to the health impacts of air pollution and climate change to promote healthier communities.