John Balbus: Climate change taken into account in programs to support, protect children's health

The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is actively incorporating climate change considerations into existing programs aimed at supporting and protecting children, John Balbus, director of the Office of Climate Change and Health Equity and deputy assistant secretary for health, said at a media briefing on November 18 in response to Report's question.

"HHS offers a wide range of services for young children, from health insurance programs for children from low-income families to the Head Start program. Our department is doing everything possible to ensure that climate change is considered in these initiatives," Balbus noted.

As an example, he cited a project that analyzed climate risks for all Head Start facilities across the country.

This allows their staff to adapt to changes and continue providing services.

Additionally, the children's health insurance program includes benefits for natural disasters, such as purchasing air purifiers during wildfires.

Balbus emphasized that developing major federal programs to protect children from climate risks falls under Congressional authority.

"Within HHS, there is no large-scale 'Protecting Children's Health in Relation to Climate Change' program, as creating new programs is within Congress's jurisdiction. However, we are working to ensure that existing initiatives adapt to challenges related to climate change," he concluded.