Today’s conversation continues our series on the climate crisis, with a special focus on the role of the healthcare system in the United States. The healthcare system is a major greenhouse gas contributor and has fallen behind in measuring and working toward reducing carbon emissions. This episode features David Castro (moderator), a board member of the Alliance of Leadership Fellows. Panelists include Dr. Lise Van Susteren and David Introcaso.
Dr. Van Susteren, is a general and forensic psychiatrist in Washington, DC, and an expert on the physical and psychological impacts of climate change. During her career she has served as a Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at George Washington University and has been a consultant to the Executive Branch of the US government. In 2011, she co-authored “The Psychological Effects of Global Warming on the U.S. – Why the US Mental Health System Is Not Prepared.” Dr. Van Susteren is a frequent contributor on television, radio and in print media. Her most recent book, “Emotional Inflammation – Discover Your Triggers and Reclaim Your Equilibrium During Anxious Times,” was published in 2020. Among her many leadership roles, Lise is the co-founder of the Climate Psychiatry Alliance, a professional group dedicated to promoting awareness and action on climate from a mental health perspective.
David Introcaso is a long-time, DC-based healthcare, environmental and public health policy researcher. He has worked for the US House Majority Leader, at the Department of health and Human Services for the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, and for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Policy. He has advised many clients including the American Public Health Association and United Health Group. His work over the past several years has focused exclusively on federal policy reform in the arena of healthcare issues related to the climate crisis. David is also a Kellogg Foundation Fellow, that’s an experience we share, and he was recently elected as Fellow of the Alliance.
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