Spotlight on a Hawaii Climate Health Hero: Nurse Melveen Camba
In the face of escalating climate challenges, healthcare professionals are stepping up to protect their communities in remarkable ways. One such hero is Melveen Camba, a dedicated nurse, environmental advocate, and leader in occupational and environmental health in Hawaii.
Melveen is a graduate of the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s Online Advanced Population Health Nursing (APHN) Program at the School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene. She credits her master’s education for giving her a deeper understanding of population health dynamics and the social determinants of health—key insights that have defined her work in addressing climate-related health challenges. Through the APHN program, she gained expertise in designing community-based interventions, leveraging data to inform health strategies, and leading initiatives that promote resilience among vulnerable populations.
Nursing Leadership in Worker Health and Well-Being
As an occupational health nurse, Melveen has developed a global perspective on worker health and safety. Her work focuses on preventing illnesses and injuries that affect not only workers but also their families, combining education, training development, and advocacy for a healthier future. Recently, Melveen has channeled her passion for environmental health and her concern for workers health. She was quick to recognize the importance of addressing extreme heat events—intensified by climate change—which pose significant risks to outdoor workers in agriculture, construction, and other industries.
Nurse-Led Climate Action Through Community Collaboration
To further hone her leadership, advocacy, and communication abilities in linking climate and health, Melveen participated in the Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments (ANHE) Fellowship Program, which nurses partner with communities on critical environmental health issues. Melveen comments, “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.”
Her drive to make a positive change in her community led her to develop partnerships with Hoinana A Me Hoola and Maoli farms, organizations committed to bridging health and environmental well-being. Tristin Manuel, owner of Maoli Farms shared, “We had the privilege of working closely with Melveen and the Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments, and the impact of their support has been transformative. Their expertise and dedication have provided us with invaluable recommendations to ensure our safety in the field, such as recognizing and managing heat exhaustion. Their guidance on mental health exercises has been a vital support for our team, enhancing our overall well-being.” Natasha Ida, president of Hoinana A Me Hoola, adds, “Melveen’s remarkable contributions have helped to define our stakeholder position in the fight against heat exposure and heat exhaustion amongst agricultural workers. She played a pivotal role in organizing our Island Roots, Global Change Climate Fair, an event that has continued to propel our efforts forward in a manner that never before existed.”
Active with Climate Health Hawaii and Inspiring Future Change
Melveen continues to lead as an active member of the Hawaii Climate Change and Health Working Group, an initiative organized by the Hawaii Department of Health. Her efforts focus on education, policy advocacy, and community engagement to promote sustainable practices and build resilience. She also visits schools to inspire children and teens to explore careers in healthcare and environmental science. Outside of work, Melveen lives her values of living in harmony with the environment she works to protect. She embodies her commitment to health and sustainability, through finding balance by running outdoors, practicing mindfulness, and supporting local farmers markets.
“My education in UH Manoa’s MS APHN program helped me see the big picture,” Melveen says. “It gave me the confidence and skills to address complex health challenges, like climate change, with a population-focused lens.” Through her tireless efforts in occupational health, environmental advocacy, and community leadership, Melveen is not only protecting today’s workers but also paving the way for a resilient and healthier tomorrow.
Apply Now
Nurses interested in furthering their career by enrolling in the Online Advanced Population Health Nursing (APHN) program can learn more at: UH Manoa Nursing – Master of Science – Online Advanced Population Health Nursing program. The deadline to apply is March 1, 2025. Free information sessions are held regularly, schedule posted online https://nursing.hawaii.edu/