Culture of Data 2025

Climate change is accelerating the frequency and intensity of wildfires, particularly in Colorado where drought and increased heat have led to significantly longer fire seasons and an average of over 5,000 reported wildfires yearly. Knowing that reduced air quality affects population health, Center for Improving Value in Health Care (CIVHC) set out to understand health impacts of wildfires and ozone pollutant events. The Wildfire and Ozone Impact on Health analysis uses data from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Colorado All Payer Claims Database (CO APCD) to evaluate the impact of wildfires and ozone spike events on emergency department (ED) visits for respiratory and circulatory conditions.

CIVHC’s analysis found that poor air quality impacts younger and older people, with the 0-17 and 65+ age groups consistently showing higher rates of ED visits across various environmental conditions, indicating a heightened vulnerability among these groups. In winter months above the ozone threshold, children and youth had a significantly higher ED visit rate compared to other age groups and months without poor air quality.

Seniors (65+) also experience heightened impact during these times. 

Findings from the analysis show that air quality events could trigger emergent health care events, and show which groups experience the most severe impacts of wildfire and ozone pollutants. This session will delve into potential policy response and discuss where communities can allocate resources and target interventions to protect populations most impacted by these events.