Support group brings together extreme weather event survivors in Oregon, across the country

Think Out Loud

Support group brings together extreme weather event survivors in Oregon, across the country

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Published on Sep 17, 2026, 12:42:32 PM
Total time: 00:13:57

Episode Description

During the 2020 Labor Day fires in Oregon, Sierra Lindsey Kos saw first hand the effects of climate change. As she was rushing to take her sick newborn to a hospital in Portland, she had to traverse through burning fires, a red sky and ash all around her, filling her with fear. As reported in the New York Times, she would then help found and lead Extreme Weather Survivors, a support group and advocacy network that has grown to more than 2,500 people.

 

Amy Dishion is one of those members. Before moving to Salem, Oregon, she lost her husband to extreme heat in Arizona. Dishion and Kos join us to share their stories and the work the group does for survivors across the country. 

 

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OPB's daily conversation covering news, politics, culture and the arts. Hosted By Dave Miller.