Center for Collaboration on Climate and Community for Health (C4Health)

University Of Cincinnati, Cincinnati OH

Investigators

Abstract

The Center for Collaboration on Climate and Community for Health (C4Health) is an exploratory (P20) research center based in Cincinnati, Ohio. The center focuses on health challenges in the Midwest and Appalachia, including extreme heat and humidity, excess precipitation, and tornadic and flooding events. C4Health conducts rigorous research on the health effects of extreme weather and evaluates evidence-based approaches to reduce health risks. Individuals with high levels of exposure to extreme heat, such as first responders and outdoor workers, or heightened physiological response to extreme heat, such as pregnant women, young children, and older adults are a particular focus. Current studies examine health impacts such as changes in mucosal immunity, cardiovascular responses (including heart rate and heart rate variability), markers and symptoms of heat-related illness, sleep quality, and maternal health outcomes. Among the strategies under evaluation, the center is testing the use of wearable devices to monitor early physiologic responses to heat exposure and evaluating scalable, community-level strategies—such as increased tree canopy and green space—to reduce heat exposure and improve measures of health. The overarching objectives of C4Health are to: (1) enact training and build capacity to support research on health effects of extreme weather; (2) catalyze innovative pilot research projects that generate data for future independent funding; (3) integrate local and regional perspectives to ensure relevance and practical utility of research findings; and (4) actively contribute to the collaborative network facilitated by the NIH research coordinating center. Training and capacity building are supported through structured mentoring, pilot project support, multidisciplinary team development, educational seminars, newsletters, and the expansion of center membership and regional collaborations. The center includes a main Research Project, three core activities (Administrative, Community Engagement, and Development), and multiple peer-reviewed pilot projects. C4Health is led by experienced investigators with expertise spanning allergy and immunology, bioinformatics, biostatistics, environmental engineering, epidemiology, ergonomics, exposure science, health communication, infectious disease, internal medicine, microbial ecology, pediatrics, pulmonary biology, thermal biology, toxicology, and urban design and planning. This proposal leverages the strengths of the University of Cincinnati and its regional collaborators to advance high-impact research that aligns with key priorities of the NIEHS 2025–2029 strategic plan.