SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - The Illinois Department of Public Health is preparing to host a first-of-its-kind summit focused on how climate change and extreme weather events are already affecting public health—and how the state can better prepare for the challenges ahead.
The “Weather and Public Health Response Summit” will take place November 12–13, 2025 at the University of Illinois Chicago’s Student Center West. The two-day event will bring together health leaders, state agencies, clinicians, emergency managers, and climate experts from across Illinois.
IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra says climate change is no longer a distant concern—it's a public health emergency that’s reshaping Illinois communities.
“Climate change is already reshaping the health of our communities,” Vohra said. “This summit brings together leaders and experts across Illinois to forge the partnerships, strategies, and systems we need to protect lives and build resilience in the face of extreme weather.”
The conference will feature major presentations and breakout sessions covering a wide range of topics, including:
- Health system responses to extreme heat, storms, and floods
- Communications strategies during natural disasters
- Sustainable recovery in a changing climate
- Impacts of severe weather on children
- How extreme weather may worsen existing health disparities
- Hazard mitigation strategies across Illinois
- Food safety during and after emergencies
One of the key events will be a director-level panel discussion, “Illinois Response to Severe Weather,” scheduled for 12:45 p.m. on Thursday, November 13. Panelists will include:
- Dr. Sameer Vohra, IDPH
- Ted Berger, Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security
- James Jennings, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
- Kristi Jones, Deputy Director, Illinois Department of Agriculture
State officials say the summit aims to strengthen collaboration and improve readiness as Illinois experiences more frequent and intense weather events.
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