WMed Diversity, Equity, and Inclusiveness Podcast: Climate Change and Mental Health

In this episode of the WMed Diversity, Equity, and Inclusiveness Podcast, we take a deep dive into the fascinating and critical connection between climate change and our mental health. Join our insightful guests, Andrea C. Bostrom, PhD, PMHCNS-BC, RN, Laura Carter Robinson, Psy.D, and Mary Ann Renz, PhD., as we embark on a journey to uncover the multifaceted ways in which climate change affects our emotional well-being.

In this episode, we address pressing questions such as how climate change impacts patients' mental health, the most prevalent mental health issues arising from it, and the extent of these concerns. Our hosts delve into who is most vulnerable and at risk, providing invaluable insights that shed light on these complex dynamics.

This episode goes beyond the surface. We tackle the vital issue of equity, examining how climate change disproportionately affects different communities, its profound effects on mental health, and the availability of treatment options.

Whether you're a concerned individual, a mental health professional, or simply curious about the intricate relationship between climate change and our psychological well-being, this episode provides an engaging and enlightening space to gain understanding, empathy, and practical guidance. Tune in and become part of the conversation about this critical issue that touches us all.

For more information, contact Kelsey Caras:  [email protected]

Monday, November 13, 2023, 12:00 AM - Friday, November 13, 2026, 12:00 AM

1. By the end of this episode, listeners should be able to articulate how climate change affects individuals' mental health, including the most prevalent mental health issues associated with it.
2. Listeners should gain the ability to identify who is most vulnerable to mental health issues related to climate change and understand the disparities that exist in terms of which communities are disproportionately affected.
3. By the conclusion of the episode, participants should be aware of the available treatment options for mental health issues related to climate change.
4. By the conclusion of the episode, participants should have a deeper understanding of the equity issues surrounding climate change's impact on mental health.

In support of improving patient care, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team. 
 
Credit amount subject to change. 

Interprofessional Continuing Education 
 
This activity was planned by and for the healthcare team, and learners will receive 0.75 Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) credits for learning and change. 
 
Physicians 
 
Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine designates this live activity for a maximum of 0.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™.  Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. 
 
Nurses 
 
Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine designates this activity for 0.75 contact hours for nurses.  Nurses should claim only credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Social Workers 
 
As a Jointly Accredited Organization, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved under this program. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine maintains responsibility for this course. Social workers completing this course receive 0.75 continuing education credits. 
 
Psychologists 
 
This program is co-sponsored by the American Psychological Association for continuing education credit. The American Psychological Association retains responsibility for the program.  This activity is designated for 0.75 APA CE Credits. 

AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ (0.75 hours), ACE CE Credits (0.75 hours), APA CE Credits (0.75 hours), Continuing Nursing Credit- ANCC (0.75 hours), General Attendance (0.75 hours), IPCE Credit (0.75 hours), Other Learner Attendance (0.75 hours)

Mitigation of Relevant Financial Relationships

Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine adheres to the ACCME’s Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education. Any individuals in a position to control the content of a CE activity, including faculty, planners, reviewers or others are required to disclose all relevant financial relationships with ineligible entities (commercial interests). All relevant conflicts of interest have been mitigated prior to the commencement of the activity.