Supporting Integration of Human Health Outcomes in Puget Sound Ecosystem Monitoring

The Challenge

The Puget Sound Ecosystem Monitoring Program (PSEMP) historically centered on species and habitat monitoring with limited integration of human health outcomes—despite evidence that environmental conditions and ecosystem health are inextricably linked to human wellbeing. As climate change intensifies harmful algal blooms, extends vector-borne disease seasons, worsens air quality, and increases heat-related illness, the gap between environmental monitoring and health surveillance has become consequential. Vulnerable populations—including Tribal communities, refugees, and low-income residents—face disproportionate risks yet remain underrepresented in existing systems. The Puget Sound Partnership needed a comprehensive assessment of how to expand PSEMP’s scope using a One Health framework recognizing the inseparability of human, animal, and environmental health.

Our Role

Ross Strategic, partnering with Dr. Peter Rabinowitz, Director of the University of Washington’s Center for One Health Research, led this effort through multi-phase stakeholder engagement including desk research, an online survey of nearly 250 partners, and five targeted focus groups with subject matter experts. These surfaced critical gaps—from fragmented data systems and inconsistent marine biotoxin monitoring to outdated fish consumption surveys failing to reflect Tribal subsistence rates.

We developed a comprehensive inventory of nearly 200 exposure and outcome data sources spanning air quality, climate hazards, waterborne and foodborne illnesses, vector-borne and zoonotic diseases, biomonitoring of chemical exposures, and social vulnerability indicators. We characterized each source by quality, accessibility, geographic resolution, and alignment with PSEMP priorities.

We applied explicit selection criteria—regional relevance, data quality, exposure-outcome linkages, climate sensitivity, and equity considerations—to identify high-priority health outcomes including asthma and cardiovascular disease, heat-related illness, foodborne and waterborne illnesses, vector-borne diseases, and adverse birth outcomes.
Key programmatic recommendations include establishing a Human Health Work Group, increasing the Diseases Work Group’s capacity for zoonotic disease monitoring, embedding equity considerations into existing Work Groups, and formalizing a One Health framework.

Key programmatic recommendations include establishing a Human Health Work Group, increasing the Diseases Work Group’s capacity for zoonotic disease monitoring, embedding equity considerations into existing Work Groups, and formalizing a One Health framework.