Environmental Health

About 

This Section promotes public health by advancing innovative environmental solutions that support the development of healthy, sustainable, and resilient communities. Through education, collaboration, sound science, and practicum-based strategies, members develop knowledge and skills in environmental health, planning, sustainability, climate adaptation, and community engagement to tackle emerging environmental challenges.
Section Chair: Beata Dewitt, [email protected]

SCPHA recognized during APHA 2025 Excellence in Climate Leadership Awards

Every year the American Public Health Association (APHA) Center for Climate, Health, and Equity recognizes exceptional leaders and students who have demonstrated outstanding dedication, leadership, and innovation in advancing health equity amid the challenges posed by climate change. APHA celebrates member groups, Affiliates, individuals, and student-led teams that are driving meaningful progress at the intersection of climate, health, and equity. SCPHA was recognized for the Excellence in Climate Leadership Awards during the APHA Annual 2025 Conference in Washington, DC.

Learn more about the APHA 2025 Excellence in Climate Leadership Awards 

Cool Cities Educate: SCPHA Smart Surfaces 

SCPHA's Smart Surfaces Project is working to create a cooler, greener environment by addressing the state's significant temperature disparities. Through initiatives like the Smart Surfaces Mini-Grant Program, SCPHA empowers local organizations and neighborhoods to implement nature-based solutions, while community events, such as SCPHA’s Tree-Planting Day, bring residents together to take action. By advocating for beneficial planning and zoning changes, expanding partnerships, and supporting the new OSHA heat protection standard, SCPHA is building a more informed, resilient community and fostering long-term environmental and public health improvements.

Learn more about SCPHA Smart Surfaces Project 

Climate Action Resilience Series 

The Climate Action Resilience Series, funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies, empowers local youth through engaging workshops that build climate awareness, encourage conservation, and promote sustainable living. By fostering a mindset of environmental responsibility, the climate series equips students with the knowledge and skills to adopt energy-efficient habits, reduce waste, and become leaders in building a more resilient, sustainable future.

Climate Café

The SCPHA Climate Café offered students a welcoming, supportive space to discuss the environmental challenges shaping their lives. Inspired by the Climate Café model, the event encouraged peer conversations about topics such as cultural identity, cumulative impacts of natural disasters, natural remedies, and the effects of urbanization. By sharing experiences and listening to one another, students built a sense of community, strengthened their connection to the environment, and explored new ways to understand and respond to a changing climate.

Don’t Waste Food SC: Kitchen Demo 

SCPHA hosted the Don't Waste Food SC: Kitchen Demo at the University of South Carolina's Center for Health and Well-Being. Students learned to prepare sustainable dishes like kale chips, Honey Sriracha Fried Tofu, Brussels Sprouts and Sweet Potato Salad, and "Chickpea of the Sea" Tuna Salad under the guidance of Dietitian Katie Graham and interns Brynn Nearly, Johannes Piket and Leila Lopez. Savannah Murray, Program Coordinator at the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES), highlighted food waste prevention strategies, including proper storage techniques and food preservation tips, as part of the SCDES Don't Waste Food SC Program.

Students who participated in the kitchen demo were given a goodie bag containing the SCDES 'Don't Waste Food SC' Guide, kitchen supplies courtesy of SC Thrive, gardening seeds from Tom’s Creek, and food vouchers.

Sustainable Art for Climate Awareness Exhibit

SCPHA's Sustainable Art for Climate Awareness Exhibit showcased the work of artists and creators focused on environmental sustainability. The exhibit featured young professionals whose art addressed critical topics such as fast fashion and textile waste, environmental contamination, emissions reduction, and microplastics. Attendees also enjoyed interactive activities, including making T-shirt totes, designing reusable bags, and contributing to a collaborative art piece inspired by Columbia artist Kirkland Smith's Assemblage of Post-Consumer Materials. 

Climate and Energy Efficiency Health Seminar

The South Carolina Public Health Association hosted a seminar highlighting the critical links between climate change, energy efficiency, and public health. Featuring Mahaganee Foster, Program Manager of the South Carolina Energy Justice Coalition, the session explored how emerging climate challenges—particularly extreme heat—affect communities and the strategies that can help reduce their impacts. Participants discussed emergency preparedness, practical approaches to improving energy efficiency, and the importance of lowering ambient temperatures to support cleaner air and healthier environments. The seminar emphasized community resilience and the role of equitable energy solutions in promoting overall well-being.