Research · Outreach · Education · Advocacy
Climate and Health Equity Foundation (CHEF)
Advancing Climate Resilience, Protecting Public Health, and Promoting Environmental Justice
- KWho We Are
About CHEF
The Climate and Health Equity Foundation (CHEF) is a 501(c)(3) public health nonprofit advancing climate resilience and environmental justice in communities disproportionately affected by extreme heat, flooding, air pollution, and infrastructure failures. We translate climate and disaster epidemiology into practical solutions that protect people on the front lines of climate risk—using data-driven research, health system partnerships, and community-based action to reduce preventable illness, displacement, and inequity.
CHEF develops community-centered programs that address the links between environmental exposure, housing conditions, and public health outcomes. By working with healthcare systems, universities, public agencies, and community organizations, we strengthen emergency preparedness, expand climate and public health education, and build the capacity communities need to prepare for, respond to, and recover from climate-related shocks.
- KServices
Climate & Health Services That Drive Real Impact
We deliver evidence-based, community-centered programs that address the most urgent climate and health challenges. Our core services include:
Climate & Health Risk Assessments
Assess climate-driven health risks related to extreme heat, flooding, air quality, and infrastructure failure to inform data-driven planning and equitable climate action.
Community Climate Resilience & Emergency Preparedness
Help communities prepare for climate shocks by strengthening local resilience, emergency response systems, and public health readiness before disasters occur.
Climate-Health Research & Data Analysis
Conduct and translate climate and public health research into practical insights that guide programs, policies, and community-centered interventions.
Environmental Justice & Public Health Policy Development
Support the development of equitable, climate-informed public health policies that reduce environmental burdens in underserved communities.
Climate & Disaster Health Education and Training
Deliver training, workshops, and educational resources that build climate-health knowledge and capacity across communities and institutions.
Community Engagement, Capacity Building & Technical Assistance
Work directly with community leaders and organizations to strengthen local capacity, trust, and participation in climate and health initiatives.
Health System & Public Agency Partnership Support
Partner with health systems and public agencies to design and implement climate resilience initiatives that protect population health at scale.
Our Programs
Climate & Health Ambassadors Program
CHEF recruits and trains local leaders to serve as Climate and Health Ambassadors who help communities better understand climate-related health risks. Through leadership development and community engagement, ambassadors co-create knowledge with residents, promote climate preparedness, and advocate for environmental justice and public health protection.
Climate & Public Health Education
CHEF delivers climate and public health education through workshops, outreach programs, and learning initiatives in faith-based organizations, schools, and community settings. These programs foster collaborative learning that strengthens community understanding of climate-related health risks and practical strategies for preparedness.
Community Resilience Initiatives
CHEF’s resilience initiatives connect local knowledge, lived experiences, and available resources to strengthen preparedness for extreme heat, flooding, and other environmental hazards. These programs help build social support networks while enhancing individual, community, and organizational capacity to respond to climate-related risks.
- KOur Global Reach
Working With Communities Across the U.S. and Africa
- KOur Impact
Measuring Our Impact on Climate and Health Equity
Program Progress
Environmental Resilience Programs Implemented — 75%
Progress toward scaling climate resilience initiatives across priority communities.
Funding Mobilized for Climate & Health Equity — 85%
Support secured to advance research, education, and community-led solutions.
Community-Led Climate Campaigns Launched — 60%
Ongoing efforts driven by local leadership to address climate and health challenges.
Impact Metrics
Climate-Resilient Health Policies Supported
We’ve contributed to the development and advancement of policies that protect public health in communities facing climate-related risks.
Community Engagement & Preparedness Events
Our workshops, trainings, and outreach initiatives have strengthened local climate awareness, preparedness, and response capacity.
Climate & Health Research Publications Shared
We’ve expanded access to evidence-based climate and public health research to inform programs, policy, and community action.
Support Climate & Health Equity Foundation
Donate Now- KResources
Tools and Resources for Climate and Health Equity
- KOur Team
The People Behind Climate and Health Equity Foundation
Our work is powered by a dedicated network of researchers, practitioners, advocates, and nearly 10,000 volunteers working across the United States and Africa to advance climate resilience, public health, and environmental justice in communities most at risk.
Olaitan Femi-Falade, DrPHc, CPEA
Founder & Executive Director
Olaitan (Femi) Falade is a public health leader working at the intersection of climate, health, and emergency preparedness. As Founder and Executive Director of CHEF, he leads community-centered initiatives that advance climate resilience and environmental justice among underserved and immigrant populations, with a strong emphasis on diaspora and faith-based engagement. A doctoral researcher at SUNY Downstate School of Public Health, his work examines the health impacts of extreme weather events to inform equitable climate adaptation and healthcare preparedness.
Pamela K. Ginex, EdD, MPH, BSN
Board Member & Director of Climate & Environmental Exposure Health Research
Dr. Pamela Ginex is an environmental health researcher and Assistant Professor at the Stony Brook University School of Nursing with a joint appointment at the Stony Brook Cancer Center. Her work explores health outcomes related to toxic exposures and climate-related hazards, translating mixed-methods research into practical interventions that reduce chronic disease risk and strengthen resilience following environmental events. Dr. Ginex brings expertise in exposure science, community-engaged research, and health systems preparedness. As Director of Climate & Environmental Exposure Health Research at CHEF, she helps lead the organization’s scientific strategy, advancing evidence-based programs and policy solutions that address climate-driven health disparities and promote equitable community resilience.
David Awoyomi, Ph.D
Board Member & Director, Community Partnerships & Engagement
Dr. David Awoyomi leads CHEF’s partnership and engagement strategy, fostering trusted relationships with community organizations, faith institutions, and public-sector partners. An Adjunct Professor at Fordham University for over 25 years and a dedicated church elder, he leverages diaspora and faith-based networks to expand climate-health education, preparedness, and equity-focused outreach.
Mary Falade, MS, RN
Board Member & Director, Clinical Operations & Community Health
Mary Falade is a nursing leader and community health advocate who integrates clinical expertise with faith-based and community engagement. At CHEF, she advances culturally responsive programs that strengthen healthcare preparedness and address climate-related health risks among underserved and immigrant populations. A New York State Registered Nurse and member of Sigma Theta Tau, she brings over a decade of leadership in quality improvement and patient safety.
Olusegun Apata, MD
Board Member & Medical Director, Climate & Community Health
Dr. Olusegun Apata, MD is a quadruple board-certified pulmonologist and sleep medicine specialist with over 20 years of clinical experience. As CHEF’s Medical Director, he provides clinical guidance for initiatives addressing climate-sensitive respiratory conditions such as asthma, COPD, and air quality–related health risks. He partners with community and faith-based organizations to expand prevention, screening, and education that promote climate-informed health resilience.
- KOur Sponsors
Our Partners and Sponsors
- KEvents, Workshops & Trainings
Climate and Health Events, Workshops, and Trainings
Join our upcoming workshops, trainings, and community events focused on climate resilience, public health preparedness, and environmental justice.
- KGet Involved
Partner. Learn. Take Action.
Partner With Us on Climate-Health Initiatives
Collaborate with CHEF on research, policy development, community programs, or funding opportunities that advance climate resilience and health equity.
Register for Workshops And Trainings
Contact Us
- KFAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What communities does CHEF serve?
CHEF works with communities most impacted by climate-related health risks, particularly underserved and historically overburdened populations in New York City, across the United States, and in parts of Africa, including Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana. See Our Global Reach
Do you work with nonprofits, healthcare systems, or government agencies?
Yes. We partner with nonprofit organizations, healthcare systems, public agencies, universities, and community-based organizations to advance climate resilience and health equity.
What types of climate risks do you address?
Our work focuses on climate risks that directly affect public health, including extreme heat, flooding, poor air quality, infrastructure failure, and environmental degradation. View Our Focus Areas
Do you provide community training or educational workshops?
Yes. CHEF offers community trainings, workshops, and educational programs focused on climate resilience, emergency preparedness, public health, and environmental justice.
How do your climate and health assessments work?
Can CHEF support emergency preparedness and disaster response planning?
How can organizations or communities partner with CHEF?
Organizations and communities can partner with us through research collaborations, program implementation, policy development, or funding partnerships. Use the Partnership Inquiry Form to start the conversation.
How can I contact the Climate and Health Equity Foundation?
You can reach the Climate and Health Equity Foundation (CHEF) using the contact details below or by submitting the Contact Form.