Droughts and Health in the United States: An Evaluation of Knowledge

Over the last century, droughts have caused more deaths internationally than any other weather- or climate-related disaster. Droughts in the United States, however, are generally not thought of as public health threats. By understanding linkages between droughts and human health, we can properly prepare our public health agencies and organizations for these health hazards, which, in turn, can reduce negative outcomes and save lives. Partnering with NIDIS, CDC, UNMC, NDMC, and others, we evaluated the state of knowledge of drought and health in the United States through a National Drought and Public Health Summit in Atlanta, Georgia. The summit brought together experts of drought and health from academia, federal agencies, NGOs, and other institutions. The goal of this summit was to assess the state of knowledge and determine the possible next steps for addressing health issues from droughts to develop strategies for implementing future activities to better support and prepare the public health community for drought, as well as, help better identify NIDIS’s role in drought and public health. In addition, a series of drought and health workshops will be organized throughout the country to learn about local activities and identify gaps in knowledge. The information gathered from this work will culminate in a multiyear Drought & Public Health Strategy that will guide NIDIS and partner efforts to support the drought and public health community going forward.