“Healthcasting”: Behind the scenes progress and developments

It is well-known that viewing audiences look to their broadcast meteorologist for news that is germane to their daily planning, safety, and well-being. It is on these particular notes that broadcast meteorologists have been identified as important conduits to reach the public, along with local elected leaders and officials, on health-environment issues.

Over the past year the AMS has been involved with a series of formal talks involving the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), NOAA, EPA, NASA as well as with the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF; the organization affiliated with the “station scientist” concept) to discuss the scientific intersections between health and the environment. “Healthcasting,” when properly tooled, can inform individuals in such a way that promotes self-care (for chronic issues such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, C.O.P.D.); provide information that enables hospital decision-makers to prepare for patient “surges” to the emergency room; and, promote preparedness for environmental extremes that can interrupt the continuity of healthcare delivery. We will discuss these tools and encourage your feedback to identify other areas of opportunity that would benefit you and the audiences that you serve.