Latest news with #vulnerablepopulations
CTV News
15-07-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Vulnerable populations and high NB Power bills focus of new committee
A new committee focused on vulnerable populations and high NB Power rates are now meeting, about a year after the idea was first pitched. The utility's Vulnerable Populations Committee includes representatives from NB Power, community groups and the provincial government. The committee's creation was a condition of the New Brunswick Energy and Utilities Board granting NB Power's rate request increase of almost 20 per cent over two-years. NB Power president and CEO Lori Clark said the utility mentioned its support for a vulnerable populations group when presenting to the EUB last summer. 'So that we can understand their needs much better than we do today, and provide relief where we can and access to the programs that are available,' said Clark, in an interview. 'And if there are no programs available, see what we can do to develop the right programs.' The committee held its first meeting on May 28, with a second meeting on June 24. The provincial departments of energy and social development are included on the committee. The community groups represented are Feed NB, the NB Coalition of Persons with Disabilities, the Fredericton Food Bank and the Human Development Council. Randy Hatfield, executive director of the Human Development Council, hoped future meetings would include individuals with first-hand experience related to poverty. 'We're going by what we're told anecdotally and what the data may tell us,' said Hatfield. 'But the lived-experience, those stories, are very rich.' Hatfield also hoped the committee would look closely at NB Power's disconnection policy for unpaid bills, while pushing for 'meaningful' programs to help those struggling to pay bills (citing the example of Ontario's energy rebate program). 'There has to be a political will,' said Hatfield. 'The utility at this point claims it doesn't have the jurisdiction to entertain low-income energy rebates. I'm not sure that's the case.' Clark said NB Power took action earlier this year to help ratepayers hit with high bills, by introducing new installment and equalized payments programs for individuals who wouldn't have previously qualified. 'I'm not saying there isn't more work to do,' said Clark. The committee does not have executive or decision-making authority. 'It will be given priority,' said Clark. 'So, while they don't have direct decision-making capability, they are reporting to the highest level in the organization.' The committee is expected to meet again this fall, when its terms of reference will be finalized. For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
When disasters fall out of the public eye, survivors continue to suffer – a rehabilitation professional explains how sustained mental health support is critical to recovery
The devastating losses from the historic flooding in Texas Hill Country on July 4, 2025, are still coming into grim focus, with 121 deaths confirmed and more than 100 still missing as of July 10. As emergency responders focus on clearing debris and searching for victims, a less visible and slower disaster has been unfolding: the need for ongoing mental health support long after headlines fade. This phase is no less critical than restoring power or rebuilding bridges. Disasters destabilize emotional well-being, leaving distress, prolonged recovery and long-term impacts in their wake long after the event is over. Without sustained emotional support, people and communities face heightened risks of prolonged trauma and stalled recovery. As an educator and practitioner focused on disability and rehabilitation, I explore the intersection of disaster recovery and the impact of disasters on mental health. Both my research and that of others underscore the vital importance of support systems that not only help people cope in the immediate aftermath of a disaster but also facilitate long-term healing over the months and years that follow – especially for vulnerable populations like children, older adults and people with disabilities. Natural disasters disrupt routines, displace families and challenge people's sense of control and security. In the immediate aftermath, survivors often experience shock, grief, anxiety and sleep disturbances. Often these symptoms may evolve into chronic stress, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder or a combination of these conditions. A 2022 study found that Texans who experienced two or more disasters within a five-year span had significantly poorer mental health, as reflected by lower scores on standardized psychological assessments, which highlights the cumulative toll repeated disasters can have on mental well-being. After Hurricane Katrina ravaged New Orleans in 2005, nearly a third of survivors continued to experience poor mental health years later. And reports following Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico in 2017 revealed surging rates of anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts, especially in areas where services remained unavailable for extended periods of time. Disaster response understandably focuses on immediate needs like rescue operations, providing post-disaster housing and repairing damaged infrastructure. In addition, short-term mental health supports such as mobile health clinics are often provided in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. However, although emergency services are deployed quickly after a disaster, long-term mental health support is often delayed or under-resourced, leaving many people without continued care during the recovery period, especially in remote or rural communities, exposing deep structural gaps in how recovery systems are designed. One year after Hurricane Harvey devastated parts of Texas in 2017, more than 90% of Gulf Coast residents reported ongoing stress related to housing instability, financial hardship or displacement. Yet less than 10% of people stated that they or someone in their household had used mental health services following the disaster. Hurricane Helene in 2024 similarly tested the resilience of rural mental health networks in western North Carolina. The storm damaged roads and bridges, schools and even local clinics. This prompted a news organization, North Carolina Health News, to warn of rising 'trauma, stress and isolation' among residents as providers scrambled to offer free counseling despite legal barriers stemming from licensing requirements to provide counseling across state borders. State health officials activated community crisis centers and helplines, while mobile mental health teams were dispatched from Tennessee to help those impacted by the disaster. However, state representatives stressed that without long-term investment, these critical supports risk being one-off responses. These events serve as a powerful reminder that while roads and buildings can often be restored quickly, emotional recovery is a slower, more complex process. Truly rebuilding requires treating mental health with the same urgency as physical infrastructure. This requires investing in strong mental health recovery systems, supporting local clinics, sustaining provider networks and integrating emotional care into recovery plans from the start. Lessons learned from previous disasters and an abundance of research show how sustained mental health supports can help people recover and build resilience. These six lessons are particularly helpful for finding needed mental health support following a disaster: If you're feeling overwhelmed after a disaster, you're not alone, and help is available. Free and confidential support is offered through resources like the Disaster Distress Helpline (1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746), which connects you to trained counselors 24/7. Many communities offer local mental health crisis lines or walk-in centers that remain active well after the disaster passes. Check your county or state health department's website for updated listings and information. Even if physical offices are closed, many clinics now offer virtual counseling or can connect you with therapists and medication refills remotely. If you've seen someone before, ask if they're still available by phone or video. After major disasters, states often deploy mobile health clinics that include mental health services to shelters, churches or schools. These temporary services are free and open to the public. If someone you care about is struggling, help them connect with resources in the community. Share hotline numbers, offer to help make an appointment or just let them know it's OK to ask for support. Many people don't realize that help is available, or they think it's only for more 'serious' problems. It's not. Mental health support doesn't always arrive right away. Keep an eye on local news, school updates or health department alerts for new services that may become available in the weeks or months after a disaster. Disasters don't just damage buildings; they disrupt lives in lasting ways. While emotional recovery takes time, support is available. Staying informed and sharing resources with others can help ensure that the road to recovery isn't traveled alone. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Lee Ann Rawlins Williams, University of North Dakota Read more: A TikTok 'expert' says you have post-traumatic stress disorder − but do you? A trauma psychiatrist explains what PTSD really is and how to seek help People displaced by hurricanes face anxiety and a long road to recovery, US census surveys show − smarter, targeted policies could help Disasters like Hurricane Ian can affect academic performance for years to come Lee Ann Rawlins Williams does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
The Independent
09-07-2025
- Health
- The Independent
London's heatwave death toll revealed in climate warning
A study estimates that climate change tripled the number of heat-related deaths across European cities during recent heatwaves. Around 1,500 of the 2,300 estimated heat deaths in Europe were attributed to human-driven global warming. In London, 173 of the 263 excess deaths during the last heatwave were linked to climate change, with Madrid and Paris also seeing significant climate-related fatalities. Researchers found that these heatwaves were up to 4C hotter in cities compared to a world without climate change, which has already warmed by 1.3C. Scientists warn that heatwaves are "quietly devastating" and pose a growing risk, particularly for older and vulnerable people, with the true death toll across Europe potentially much higher.
The National
09-07-2025
- Science
- The National
Climate change tripled deaths in European cities during recent heatwaves
Climate change tripled the number of heat-related deaths across European cities in the recent heatwaves, a rapid analysis by scientists has estimated. Global warming, caused primarily by humans burning fossil fuels and cutting down forests, made the searing heat that gripped much of Europe in late June and early July much more intense, researchers found. The heatwaves were up to 4°C hotter across cities compared to a world without climate change, the study from the World Weather Attribution group of researchers said. And in the first rapid study to estimate the number of deaths linked to climate change in a heatwave, researchers found human-driven global warming was responsible for around 65 per cent of the deaths that occurred across 12 cities, including London, Paris, Madrid, Barcelona and Rome. The scientists behind the study said that heatwaves were 'quietly devastating' and their research showed how dangerous climate change already was with just 1.3°C of warming, particularly for older and more vulnerable people. They also said that their analysis focused on 12 cities, providing only a snapshot of the deaths linked to climate change-driven high temperatures across Europe, which may have reached into the tens of thousands. The assessment focused on 10 days of heat from June 23 to July 2, when a 'heat dome' high pressure system over Europe trapped hot dry air and pushed up temperatures, as well as pulling hot air from North Africa, intensifying the heatwave. The searing temperatures led schools to close in parts of France, outdoor working to be banned during the hottest parts of the day in Italy, raised the risk of wildfires, and triggered health alerts across many countries, including a red alert for Paris and amber alerts for London and many parts of England. The researchers used weather data to assess the intensity of the heatwaves over their hottest five-day period in a world which has seen 1.3°C of warming and compared it the cooler pre-industrial climate. The scientists also used existing research on the relationship between heat and the number of daily deaths in the cities to estimate the number of excess deaths due to the heatwaves and compared it to a 'counterfactual' of the numbers of deaths in heatwave temperatures without climate change. The study, led by scientists at Imperial College London and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), found around 1,500 of the 2,300 estimated heat deaths were the result of climate change – equating to a tripling of the number of deaths in the heatwave due to global warming. Climate change was responsible for an estimated 171 excess deaths in London, 317 in Madrid and 235 in Paris, the study found. Most of the deaths were in older age groups, the researchers said, highlighting the growing risk older people in Europe face from dying prematurely due to longer, hotter and more frequent heatwaves. Dr Ben Clarke, researcher at the Centre for Environmental Policy at Imperial College London, said: 'Heatwaves don't leave a trail of destruction like wildfires or storms. 'Their impacts are mostly invisible, but quietly devastating – a change of just 2 or 3C can mean the difference between life and death for thousands of people. 'Our study shows how dangerous climate change already is with just 1.3C of warming. 'However, we could reach 3C this century, unless countries speed up the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. 'That would bring fiercer heatwaves to Europe, causing more deaths and placing greater pressure on health systems.' Dr Pierre Masselot, research fellow at LSHTM, said: 'At the rate the world is warming, heatwaves are not going away and we have to prepare for their public health impacts. 'Cities can adapt by planting trees, reducing the space given to cars and caring for the most vulnerable. 'But ultimately, the best way to avoid dire consequences is to aggressively reduce greenhouse gases emissions.' And Dr Friederike Otto, professor in climate science at the Centre for Environmental Policy at Imperial, said: 'This study highlights a simple fact: burning more oil, coal and gas will kill more people. 'The only way to stop European heatwaves from becoming even deadlier is to stop burning fossil fuels,' she warned.
The Independent
09-07-2025
- Science
- The Independent
Climate change tripled deaths in European cities during recent heatwaves
Climate change tripled the number of heat-related deaths across European cities in the recent heatwaves, a rapid analysis by scientists has estimated. Global warming, caused primarily by humans burning fossil fuels and cutting down forests, made the searing heat that gripped much of Europe in late June and early July much more intense, researchers found. The heatwaves were up to 4C hotter across cities compared to a world without climate change, the study from the World Weather Attribution group of researchers said. And in the first rapid study to estimate the number of deaths linked to climate change in a heatwave, researchers found human-driven global warming was responsible for around 65% of the deaths that occurred across 12 cities, including London, Paris, Madrid, Barcelona and Rome. The scientists behind the study warned heatwaves were 'quietly devastating' and their research showed how dangerous climate change already was with just 1.3C of warming, particularly for older and more vulnerable people. They also warned that their analysis focused on only 12 cities, providing only a snapshot of the deaths linked to climate change-driven high temperatures across Europe, which may have reached into the tens of thousands. The assessment focused on 10 days of heat from June 23 to July 2, when a 'heat dome' high pressure system over Europe trapped hot dry air and pushed up temperatures, as well as pulling hot air from North Africa, intensifying the heatwave. The searing temperatures led schools to close in parts of France, outdoor working to be banned during the hottest parts of the day in Italy, raised the risk of wildfires, and triggered health alerts across many countries including a red alert for Paris and amber alerts for London and many parts of England. The researchers used weather data to assess the intensity of the heatwaves over their hottest five-day period in a world which has seen 1.3C of warming and compared it the cooler pre-industrial climate. The analysis showed the heatwaves were around 1-4C higher than in a world which had not warned 1.3C due to climate change. The scientists also used existing research on the relationship between heat and the number of daily deaths in the cities to estimate the number of excess deaths due to the heatwaves and compared it to a 'counterfactual' of the numbers of deaths in heatwave temperatures without climate change. The study, led by scientists at Imperial College London and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), found around 1,500 of the 2,300 estimated heat deaths were the result of climate change – equating to a tripling of the number of deaths in the heatwave due to global warming. Climate change was responsible for an estimated 171 excess deaths in London, 317 in Madrid and 235 in Paris, the study found. Most of the deaths were in older age groups, the researchers said, highlighting the growing risk older people in Europe face from dying prematurely due to longer, hotter and more frequent heatwaves. Dr Ben Clarke, researcher at the Centre for Environmental Policy at Imperial College London, said: 'Heatwaves don't leave a trail of destruction like wildfires or storms. 'Their impacts are mostly invisible, but quietly devastating – a change of just 2 or 3C can mean the difference between life and death for thousands of people. 'Our study shows how dangerous climate change already is with just 1.3C of warming. 'However, we could reach 3C this century, unless countries speed up the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. 'That would bring fiercer heatwaves to Europe, causing more deaths and placing greater pressure on health systems.' Dr Pierre Masselot, research fellow at LSHTM, said: 'At the rate the world is warming, heatwaves are not going away and we have to prepare for their public health impacts. ' Cities can adapt by planting trees, reducing the space given to cars and caring for the most vulnerable. 'But ultimately, the best way to avoid dire consequences is to aggressively reduce greenhouse gases emissions.' And Dr Friederike Otto, professor in climate science at the Centre for Environmental Policy at Imperial, said: 'This study highlights a simple fact: burning more oil, coal and gas will kill more people. 'The only way to stop European heatwaves from becoming even deadlier is to stop burning fossil fuels,' she warned.
