Environmental Health Justice Beyond the Exam Room

Whether it’s the tragic deaths of George Floyd and Daunte Wright; inequitable rates of COVID-19 infection, death, and vaccination; or the higher rate of insidious premature deaths to people of color from climate change, we, in the health community have a responsibility to understand why this is happening and to intervene on these causes. The biomedical ethics principle of “justice” extends beyond the examination room. The slow violence of climate disruption amplifies health impacts when broad social emergencies like COVID-19 and the preventable murders of Black, Indigenous, and people of color impact our communities. It is only through understanding the personal and ripple ecologies of historical and contemporary peripheral trauma that we can offer compassionate care. Minnesota BIPOC communities are inequitably experiencing the health impacts of climate change. As detailed in a recent Greenpeace report, the disproportionate impacts of oil, coal, and gas production and use are a major public health problem for BIPOC communities. They deem this issue “fossil fuel racism.” While not new information, this report underscores the need for environmental justice, as this form of systemic racism is an immense social determinant of health (SDOH). Positive impacts on any SDOH result in downstream improvements in health by all measures. Both climate change impacts and structural racism as SDOHs in society demand immediate action to prevent amplification of already existing inequities. We must promote climate and criminal justice through investments in health justice. Healthcare systems that meet individuals where they are and build trust for care and support without judgment, are a start. Some current clinical initiatives include providing health care in a church setting in Worthington, MN to immigrant families; offering

By Zeke McKinney, MD, MHI, MPH and Mike Menzel, MD

COVID vaccines in a Twin Cities mosque; or Hennepin Healthcare recognizing the importance of prayer for their patients and by providing directional markers in the clinic rooms. Whether it is acute physical or climate-related trauma, we must also provide and promote access to mental health services to treat and support individuals who are experiencing psychiatric symptoms related to violent or climate-related events. In terms of environmental justice, we must listen to our communities to hear their needs and understand their challenges in being partners in a green future. However, climate change may not be experienced as acute an issue as the physical and emotional violence attacking our BIPOC communities. Our charge, therefore, is to concurrently fight the systemic forces that overwhelm our most vulnerable communities across many dimensions. As health professionals, we must be a part of building a just, sustainable, and healthier state and nation for our most vulnerable citizens. Zeke McKinney, MD, MHI, MPH, President-Elect, TCMS; President, Central States Occupational and Environmental Medicine Association. Mike Menzel, MD, Health Professionals for a Healthy Climate.

References: 1. Greenpeace et al. 2021. Fossil Fuel Racism: https://www.greenpeace.org/usa/reports/ fossil-fuel-racism/#exec-summary.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Lakeview Clinic has what you are

looking for! Join an independent, physicianowned group of 50 providers in the SW Metro. Be a part of a collaborative work environment in a primary care group of family physicians, internists, pediatricians, general surgeons and OB/GYNs. • 4-day work week with 32 contact hours achieving excellent work/life balance

• Excellent compensation with a 2-year partnership track to earn in the top 10% in the state

• Outstanding benefits including 100% paid family health insurance and dental insurance, 401K and profit sharing

• We have 4 sites in the southwest metro:

Chaska, Waconia, Norwood, and Watertown

Due to retirements and growth, we are currently looking for:

◦ Internal Medicine

CONTACT: administration@lakeviewclinic.com PHONE: 952-442-4461 ext. 7215 WEB: www.lakeviewclinic.com