Cycle 5: Heat Preparedness for Health Care Providers and Organizations
Across the country, Canadians are already experiencing the impacts of climate change, including higher temperatures. It is predicted that the frequency, severity, and duration of heat waves will continue to increase in Canada, leading to significant illness and mortality, particularly among older adults and people with severe mental illness. It is imperative that clinicians and health care delivery organizations are equipped to protect themselves, their patients and families, and the community at large from heat-related illnesses and emergencies.
In this ECHO cycle, offered in partnership with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), we will explore the direct and indirect impacts of heat on health, including patient risk factors, staff safety concerns, operational vulnerabilities, and increased care demand. Through case examples, we will consider strategies to mitigate heat risk that can be deployed during clinical encounters, in the community, and within health care facilities before, during, and following extreme heat events. These include heat response plans, warning systems, wellness checks, cooling centres, and air conditioner prescribing programs, among others.
Together, we will share key challenges and learnings throughout the 2026 heat season.
Online ECHO Library
Slide decks, case summaries and recommendations, and resources shared during the cycle are made available to participants after every session.
We strongly encourage registrants to complete the Introduction to Sustainable Health Systems online course available on the Royal College for Physicians and Surgeons’ website (registration is open to all) in advance of the sessions.
The Planetary Health & Sustainable Care ECHO is brought to you by the Collaborative Centre for Climate, Health & Sustainable Care in partnership with the CASCADES