CSBG-DCL-2023-13 CAM Partnering in Addressing Climate Change FY 2023
Community Services Block Grant
Dear Colleague Letter
DCL#: CSBG-DCL-2023-13
DATE: May 23, 2023
TO: The CSBG Network
SUBJECT: Community Action Month 2023: Partnership in Addressing Climate Change
ATTACHMENT(S): N/A
Dear Colleague,
Every day, climate change threatens the health of people living in the United States. It continues to worsen severe weather events, such as extreme heat, flooding, and wildfires, and increases prolonged burdens on physical and mental health, such as chronic stress, poverty, and worsened asthma.[1]
The communities disproportionately impacted by climate change also face economic and social marginalization, creating greater difficulty in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from its hazards. This includes people of color, indigenous people, people with low income, older populations, children, rural communities, communities with poor access to healthcare, and those with underlying health conditions.[2] Historically, these communities have struggled with greater exposure to extreme heat and pollution, exposure to and under preparedness for extreme weather events, and decreased access to clean air, safe drinking water, nutritious food, and safe shelter.[3]
The Biden-Harris Administration is confronting longstanding environmental injustices and inequities to make a positive difference in people’s lives now and into the future. To help take bold action across HHS, we have set up two new offices that report directly to me: The Office of Climate Change and Health Equity (OCCHE) and the Office of Environmental Justice (OEJ) . We are proud to coordinate alongside our colleagues at ACF to leverage our resources and collaboration across federal government and in communities.
Under the Justice 40 Initiative , the Biden-Harris Administration has established a goal that 40% of overall benefits of certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved, and overburdened by pollution. Included under this initiative are programs administered by the Office of Community Services (OCS): Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), Low Income Household Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP), Community Economic Development (CED), and Rural Community Development (RCD). These important programs, often administered on the ground through the Community Action Network or its partners, support the drive for environmental and economic justice for all, providing essential resources to individuals, families, and communities to address the disproportionate impact of climate change. These programs and others like them ensure that families do not have to choose between paying their energy bill or buying groceries; they increase access to clean water and safe shelter, provide essential services to prepare for and recover from climate change disasters, and engage in thoughtful action to push for clean and affordable energy. The important role of the Community Action Network can be seen in the following spotlight video of a Community Action Agency in Wisconsin:
- West Central Wisconsin Community Action Agency, Inc (West CAP) utilized CSBG funds to combine clean energy with affordable housing in the pursuit of both economic and environmental justice.
As Assistant Secretary for Health of HHS, I want to thank the Community Action Network for partnering across HHS and across communities to support our work in protecting people from the threats associated with climate change and environmental injustice, especially the highest-risk communities, and contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and strengthening climate resiliency. Together, we can continue the fight to improve the health and well-being of all Americans and leave our planet stronger and healthier for the generations to come.
Be sure to access the Community Action Month page on the OCS website and connect with us on Twitter @HHSGOV , @HHS_ASH , and @OCS_ACFgov .
Please take time this month to celebrate as you reflect on the impact of your work and know that We See You!
/s/
Admiral Rachel L. Levine
Assistant Secretary for Health
The Department of Health and Human Services
[1] Office of Climate Change and Healthy Equity (OCCHE). (May 2023). Retrieved from Climate and Health Outlook .
[2] Office of Climate Change and Health Equity (OCCHE). (March 30, 2023). Retrieved from Climate Change & Health Equity, and Environmental Justice at HHS .
[3] Office of Climate Change and Health Equity (OCCHE). (March 30, 2023). Retrieved from Climate Change & Health Equity, and Environmental Justice at HHS .