Improving health in communities affected by climate change
Official title: Southwest Center on Resilience for Climate Change and Health (SCORCH)
Funded at University of Arizona · NIH-10835394 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how climate change affects the health of people living in dry areas, especially focusing on Indigenous, Latinx, and low-resource communities in the Southwestern U.S., and aims to find ways to improve their health and support them in dealing with climate challenges.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project start | September 22, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $3,814,815 |
| NIH project number | 1P20ES036112-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10835394 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit include individuals from Indigenous, Latinx, and low-resource urban or rural communities living in arid regions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients living in non-arid regions or those not affected by climate change-related health issues may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on the health impacts of climate change in arid land communities, which are particularly vulnerable to extreme weather events, poor air quality, and other climate-related threats. By bringing together diverse research teams, the project aims to enhance health equity and support adaptation efforts among Indigenous, Latinx, and low-resource communities in the Southwestern United States. The initiative will identify priority research areas and implement projects that address the specific health needs of these communities, fostering partnerships and collaboration for effective solutions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health outcomes and resilience for communities facing climate change challenges.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in addressing health impacts of climate change in vulnerable populations, indicating that this approach has potential for meaningful outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Arizona
Tucson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ernst, Kacey C — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Ernst, Kacey C
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.