Over 400 ANHE Members in Colorado, Arizona, Hawaii, New Mexico, and Utah are working to promote healthy environments for our patients, families, friends, and communities across the South West. 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 New Mexico Lawmakers: Lead on Climate Safety
With federal efforts to cut greenhouse gas pollution grinding to a halt, it is more important than ever for states to act. New Mexico is already a leader in methane pollution protections, but we can’t stop there. We need to invest in transitioning away from oil and gas and spurring a clean energy economy.
Learn More: Colorado’s Suncor Petroleum Refinery Is a Major Source of Air Pollution
Suncor reported over 1,000 air pollutant emission exceedances or violations from 2019 to 2023. Air pollution from the Suncor refinery can result in health impacts, including asthma attacks, respiratory issues, lung cancer, birth defects and low birth weight, heart attacks and strokes, and neurological and developmental problems.
Meet Your South West Regional Forum Organizer
Melveen Janeen Camba, MS APHN, RN-COHC
Melveen is a graduate of the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s Advanced Population Health Nursing (APHN) Program, where she gained insights into population health dynamics and social determinants of health that shape her work in addressing health issues. She is a dedicated nurse, environmental advocate, and leader in occupational and environmental health in Hawaii. As an occupational health nurse, Melveen aims to prevent illnesses and injuries affecting workers and their families, enhancing health outcomes through education and advocacy. She has recognized the risks posed by extreme heat events, particularly for agricultural and outdoor workers.
To strengthen her leadership and advocacy skills, Melveen participated in the Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments Fellowship Program, collaborating with communities on environmental health issues, promoting native seed cultivation, and sustainable practices. As a nurse fellow, she emphasizes mental wellness and community resilience, organizing events like “Island Roots, Global Change” in Waianae and co-founding a grassroots coalition for community-led change. Her advocacy includes partnerships for “Sip and Learn” events at local clinics and leads initiatives that promote resilience among vulnerable populations. She states, “Nurses play a critical role in advocating environmental health and justice, leveraging their expertise, compassion, and commitment to public health to create healthier and more equitable communities.”
