Dear Gov. Lujan Grisham and Secretary Allen: We are writing on behalf of the rapidly growing network of New Mexican health professionals alarmed by the dangerous health effects of climate change we currently see manifesting among patients and communities in our state. We admire your commitment to improving the well-being of all New Mexicans under your leadership.
We request that you continue this commitment by supporting the creation of a dedicated Public Health and Climate Resiliency Program at the NM Department of Health to build expertise within our state to address these significant threats.
The adverse effects of climate change on individual and population health are already being felt here. These deleterious impacts on our quality of life will likely increase significantly in the coming years, posing serious challenges to the health and well-being of communities across the state.
New Mexico needs increased capacity within our state health institutions and local communities to prepare for these changes and the inevitable adaptations required. The more prepared we are for these changes, the more resilient New Mexico will continue to be.
Sincerely on behalf of New Mexico Health Professionals for Climate Action,
Paul Charlton, MD, MA, Gallup,
Shelley Mann-Lev, MPH, Santa Fe
Claudia Pratesi, Ph.D., MCRP, Albuquerque
Kenneth Reid, MHA, MBA, Pueblo of Isleta
