They will cover what is PM2.5 and why should we care, along with public health recommendations for how to stay safe and healthy when there is poor air quality in the area. They will also share about our roles in helping prepare and respond to smoke events in Deschutes County, as well as ways in which everyone can stay informed about smoke events.
Carissa Heinige is the Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP)Coordinator for Deschutes County. As the PHEP coordinator, Carissa helps provide linkages between community partners, County emergency management, and various state agencies to help ensure public health needs are met during and after disasters. Carissa has been in her current role since 2021, and first started with Deschutes County Public Health in 2020 to support pandemic response.
Sarah Worthington is the Climate and Health Coordinator serving Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson County Public Health Departments. In this role, Sarah supports projects and partnerships that increase community resilience to climate-related hazards such as wildfires and extreme heat. Previously Sarah’s work focused on diabetes management and prevention.
We’ll be in our usual room at the Riverhouse – Deschutes South.
