We have 600 ANHE members in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee! Let’s join together to protect our patients, families, and communities from environmental harm and create healthy communities for current and future generations. We host events, share information about what’s going on, and create opportunities for nurses to talk to their legislators and each other about all things environmental health.
What We’re Working On
Tell EPA: Cutting Climate Pollution Is Essential for Our Families’ Health
EPA’s mission is to protect human health and the environment, but EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin is poised to stop regulating the greenhouse gas emissions responsible for putting our weather on steroids and threatening all people’s well-being. Joins Moms in speaking out—EPA must keep cutting climate pollution from power plants, vehicles, and industry.
Tell NC Lawmakers: Our Families Want Cleaner Energy, Not Higher Electricity Bills
The North Carolina General Assembly cannot afford to take our state a step backward on climate progress by eliminating the state requirement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 70% by 2030 and incentivizing the buildout of new polluting gas power plants. This legislation would lead to higher electricity bills, health harms, and climate instability.
Climate + Health Peer Learning Circle, 2025
Raise your health voice and make an impact! Join a dynamic community of health leaders dedicated to driving climate action and creating lasting change.
The Climate Advocacy Lab’s Climate + Health Peer Learning Circle is a free training program designed for experienced leaders at the intersection of climate and health. This regional initiative combines in-person workshops and virtual sessions to foster peer learning and collaboration. Participants will refine their leadership skills, gain strategies for community engagement, and exchange insights with a network of accomplished peers. If you’re ready to amplify your impact and drive systemic change, this program will equip you with the tools and connections to lead transformative climate action.
The health impacts of climate change are undeniable—and the time to act is now. As a health professional, you have the power to protect human health and inspire change.
Meet Your South East Regional Forum Organizer
Dr. Cheryl L. Kovar PhD, RN, CNS, CPH (she, her)
Dr. Kovar is an Associate Professor in the Department of Nursing Science for East Carolina University. She is an advanced practice nurse with over 25 years working in the public health sector at the local, state, and national levels in various leadership roles. She is an active member of the PHN section for APHA as well as serves on the North Carolina Alliance for Public Health Agencies (NCAPHA) which is a statewide workforce development board. She has conducted extensive research in the areas of public health practice, reproductive/sexual health, and adolescent high risk behavior. Dr. Kovar has published in peer review journals and is recognized as a national speaker on topics related to reproductive/sexual health in adolescent and young adults and public health leadership. She is the first faculty member at the College of Nursing (CON) to have her certification in public health (CPH). In addition, she is the only nurse from the CON to be appointed to serve as a scientific member of ECU’s University Medical Campus IRB’s Social and Behavioral IRB committee, and an alternate to the Biomedical IRB committee.
Contact Cheryl at kovarc15@ecu.edu
Highlights
The Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments hosted a half-day, in-person symposium for health professionals on June 4, 2025 at the Emory Conference Center in Atlanta, GA!
Investments in clean energy, climate resilience, and pollution reduction are directly improving air quality, expanding access to zero-emission transportation, and strengthening public health. At this symposium, expert speakers highlighted how these initiatives are already making an impact in local Georgia communities and shared real-world case studies and success stories. Attendees gained valuable insights into how nurses and health professionals can support and amplify this progress at the state and community level.
Designed to empower and inspire, this event provided the knowledge, tools, and connections needed to lead in advancing health-centered climate solutions and shaping a more equitable, sustainable future for all.
CLEAN AIR NC
From the mountains to the sea, everyone in North Carolina and beyond has the right to breathe clean, healthy air. Together, we can fight for this right and make a difference. So, join Clean Air NC by taking action in any way you can.
CleanAIRE NC represents everyone who cares about health, equity, and the environment. We represent advocates, healthcare professionals, organizers, educators, scientists, and thousands of people from communities across North Carolina. Rural and urban, coastal, Piedmont and mountains, we are united by the belief that everyone deserves a healthy environment where they can grow and thrive. Together we advance solutions that address three powerful determinants of health in North Carolina: climate change, air pollution, and environmental justice. Through advocacy, education, and research, CleanAIRE NC is working to protect what connects us and ensure that all North Carolinians have access to clean air and a livable climate. Learn more and join the mission here.