LIHUE Climate change was on the table at the state Department of Health Kauai District Health Office on Friday as the open house in celebration of the nationwide Public Health Week wrapped up.
LIHUE — Climate change was on the table at the state Department of Health Kauai District Health Office on Friday as the open house in celebration of the nationwide Public Health Week wrapped up.
Representatives from Kauai County and the state DOH talked about how climate change is expected to impact wastewater systems, island infrastructure, food security and overall health.
Last week, different topics took the stage at the office each weekday, including safe food preparation and preservation, rural living and dealing with things like rats and mosquitoes, technology and public health, and violence prevention.
Attendance was low, said Dr. Janet Berreman, district health officer. “But there’s been a lot of engagement when people have been coming through,” she said.
Presenters estimated between 10 and 20 people filtered through in two hours Friday. That was about the average number of people who visited daily during the open house.
Even so, those involved said it was worth their time because it was a good reminder to the community that the district health office is a place for answers to questions.
This was the first year Kauai participated in the nationwide Public Health Week, and officials said the hope is to generate more momentum next year.
