It’s hard to believe the first Earth Day was in 1970 as we approach Earth Day 2024 (April 22, 2024). Though many advances have been made since the early days of this conversation, climate change remains the number one threat to public health. Millions of us are exposed to extreme heat, wildfires, flooding, vector-borne diseases, and other factors that worsen chronic health conditions. On the other hand, Community Health Centers are finding strategic ways to push toward a future of resilience so that access to primary care for over 1 in 11 people can remain a priority.
NACHC is supporting health centers in multiple ways as they seek to become energy resilient. This year, NACHC is proud to launch the “Energy Improvements in Remote or Rural Areas” (ERA) project with partners Capital Link, Collective Energy, and Clean Energy Group. This groundbreaking initiative (the CHARGE Partnership) is backed by an award of up to $57 million from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED). It aims to strengthen the energy resilience of health centers in rural Southeastern regions, where 46 million people live, by providing solar panels, battery storage systems, and microgrid capabilities for up to 175 health centers in rural Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee (HRSA, Region IV). The ERA award is for health center sites located in cities and towns of 10,000 people or less.
Of the 783 health centers in Region IV, 636 (81%) are located near environmentally harmful industries and in areas where chronic disease and health inequities are exacerbated by our changing climate.
Solar Power is a Great Step Toward Sustainability: CommuniCare+OLE’s Journey
The nationwide push toward sustainability in health care is guided by examples from health centers leading this movement. CommuniCare+OLE, a health center system in Napa Valley, California, is one of those leaders.
Historically, California has experienced some of the worst air quality in the United States. This is from sources including wildfires, wood-burning activities, coal plants, diesel engines, etc. These air pollution sources also contribute to the larger issue of climate change and related adverse health effects. The people who live in locations prone to climate-related risks and poorly maintained and aging infrastructure are often lower-income and from immigrant communities. With limited access to financial resources, and when language or citizenship barriers make health care access a challenge, health centers like Communicare+OLE are stepping in to help.
Communicare+OLE has deep roots in their community and a reputation for providing high-quality primary care to everyone, regardless of insurance, immigration status, or ability to pay. CommuniCare+OLE has not only stated that climate change is a recognized threat to public health in their community, but they’ve been clear that their community is disproportionately affected.
As a proactive measure to reduce their carbon footprint, reduce costs, and embrace clean energy, Communicare+OLE has installed a substantial solar array at its North Napa Campus. As an early adopter of solar energy, they serve as a testament to health centers’ commitment to environmental stewardship and community well-being.
Partnerships Ignite Action
With the support of community donations and federal funding through the Inflation Reduction Act, CommuniCare+OLE’s leveraged innovative financing mechanisms to gain their solar power. This initiative is projected to offset 73 tons of carbon annually.
“Climate change poses a grave threat to the health of vulnerable populations. As healthcare providers, we must lead by example and prioritize sustainability in our operations. The installation of solar panels is just the beginning of our efforts to combat climate change and build a healthier future for our communities.”
Alicia Hardy, CEO of CommuniCare+OLE
CommuniCare+OLE also developed a partnership with Collective Energy Co, LLC. in their transition toward clean energy. Andrew MacCalla, the CEO and Co-Founder of Collective Energy worked closely with OLE to identify their resilient energy goals and help them navigate federal funding opportunities. These partners have developed a nice blueprint for other health centers to follow.
NACHC is Excited to Help
The future of healthcare resilience looks better as health centers nationwide embrace clean energy solutions and NACHC’s ERA project gains momentum. Investing in renewable energy for health centers not only lowers the impacts of climate-related disasters, it reduces operational costs for electricity and empowers communities to take action toward resilience and equity.
CommuniCare+OLE’s journey is an inspiring one. It’s a great example of the bold action health centers are taking to safeguard our planet and accessible primary care. NACHC looks forward to supporting more health centers build this type of resilience through the ERA’s Solar Microgrids and Patient-Centered Climate Resilience Training and Toolkits.
Resources for Health Centers
If your health center is interested in resiliency training or solar + storage installments, visit:
- Or email us directly: Jess Hinshaw jhinshaw@nachc.org or Julia Dempsey jdempsey@nachc.org with questions or for additional resources