ANHE Fellowship Application Open

The Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments (ANHE) is now accepting applications for its fourth cohort of the Environmental Health Nurse Fellowship Program. For more details and to apply, please visit this link.  Deadline: October 17^th.

5 Things to Know About the Fungal Infection Valley Fever

Published by Gist, October 2, 2025

• Valley fever is an infection spread by a fungus that grows in the top few inches of soil in parts of the American West. It is transmitted when soil is disturbed and the fungal spores become airborne. You can become sick by inhaling the spores, but it cannot be passed from person to person.
• Who’s most at risk? Anyone who lives in, visits, or works in the areas where the fungus exists can get valley fever. People who work in agriculture, construction, and other activities that involve working in or around disturbed dirt and outdoor dust are at higher risk.
• How can you prevent valley fever infection? Using N95 masks in dusty areas where the fungus grows can help reduce your risk. A vaccine for dogs is expected to be available as early as the end of 2025, and a human vaccine is currently in early-stage development.
• What are the symptoms of valley fever, and how is it diagnosed? Symptoms may include a fever, cough, chills, tiredness, night sweats, headache, shortness of breath, joint and muscle pain, and a rash. Valley fever is diagnosed with a blood test.
• What’s being done about it? The National Institutes of Health has awarded researchers in three states millions of dollars to research new antifungal drugs, design rapid tests, and better understand why some people develop the severe form of valley fever while others experience no symptoms. There are at least four different research initiatives underway to discover and design an effective vaccine.

Children’s Environmental Health

Just wrapped up on October 9^th

Children are often the most vulnerable population when it comes to pollutants, extreme heat, and other climate impacts. Additionally, many children live in communities that are disproportionately affected by environmental exposures. By improving the health of the environment, we directly improve the health of our children.

Children’s Environmental Health (CEH) Day is founded on the belief that, together, we can create a healthier, safer, and more equitable world for all children—where fewer children suffer from preventable health issues.

CEH Resources

Children’s Mental Health Guide

Action: Tell Congress to Fight for a Safe Climate

Ensuring clean air, water, and a healthy climate is essential for everyone. Agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Energy (DOE), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are performing vital work to reduce pollution, address the climate crisis, provide cleaner and affordable energy, and assist communities in preparing for and recovering from extreme weather. To continue this critical work, these agencies need proper funding and staffing.

That’s why it's crucial for Congress to support these agencies with adequate funding and resources and ensure the administration follows the law by using funds as intended. When Congress empowers and backs these agencies and their dedicated staff, they can continue their mission of safeguarding all Americans and future generations, helping us all live safer, healthier lives. Tell Congress to Fight for a Safe Climate.

Send Congress A letter

What We Are Reading & Listening to Now

• In Arizona, a fight against a deadly fungus is under threat (Grist)
• A new formula for the power player-how AZ’s biggest utilities have made bills higher (Arizona Agenda)
• E-bikes could cut carbon, congestion, and costs if cities take them seriously (Gist)
• Do leaf blowers really add to air pollution and climate change (azcentral)
• Inhaler-Related Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the US (JAMA)
• A week without wheels (AZ Agenda)

Webinars & Events

• October 16^th: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm (AZ): STAT Extreme Weather & Health Action Network Series (virtual) Register
• October 16^th 2:00 pm – 3:15 pm (ET): Alliance for Heat Resilience and Health Heat Listening Session Register
• October 21^st: 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm (AZ): AzNA Health & Climate Workgroup Meeting Zoom Link
• October 22^nd: 12 pm (ET): The Power of Nurses: Driving Climate Solutions at COP30 and Beyond Register
• November 5^th: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm (AZ): STAT Extreme Weather & Health Action Network Series (virtual) Register
• November 19^th: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm (MST): Promoting Climate Action through Quality and Safety Activities Register
• November 19^th: 9:00 am – 4:30 pm (AZ): Save the Date: 3^rd Annual Arizona Heat Summit
• December 3^rd: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm (AZ): STAT Extreme Weather & Health Action Network Series (virtual) Register

   

   

   

  Recordings

• September 4^th: Leveraging Data to Drive Effective Heat Protection Policies (webinar) Recording
• May-July: APHA three-part podcast series on extreme heat Recording
• New: Podcast: Healthy Climate America. New issues each week.Here
• Online: Extreme Heat & Health: Strategies for Prevention and Action (3 CEs) Link
• July 29^th: EPC Environmental Justice Poll Briefing Recording
• New: July 9^th: Keeping It Cool: Heat Preparedness Resources for Community Health Centers Recording
• June 2^nd: Global Heat Action Day: Local Solutions to Protect Communities Recording
• The Medical Society Consortium on Climate & Health: 2024 Communication Training Sessions Recordings
• May 14^th: Mitigating Heat-Related Health Risks in Arizona Recording
• March 6^th: Tap Water Affordability in Arizona Recording
• February 5^th: Region 9 Pacific Southwest Center for Emergency Public Health: Heat Surveillance, Preparedness Strategies and Community Response Webinar featuring LA County and Maricopa County Recording
• Recording: Webinar with author and Pediatrician Debra Hendrickson on her new book The Air They Breathe: A Pediatrician on the Front Lines of Climate Change. Recording.
• Recording from December 10^th’s webinar: Perspectives on Plastic Lifecycle Series: Plastics Use and Demand Recording.
• Recording from December 11^th’s webinar:A panel discussion on Extreme Weather in Arizona Recording.
• Recording from 3^rd Annual National Integrated Heat Health Information System (NIHHIS) National Meeting 2024 Here

Thank you for joining us in making a healthier planet today!