Identifying Vulnerable Populations during Hurricane Season in Georgia
Location
Georgia Southern University- Williams Center
Faculty Mentors
Dr. Jessica Schwind
Course Name
PHLD 9135: Public Health Funding and Grants
Session Type
Graduate Poster Presentation
Presentation Type and Release Option
Presentation (Open Access)
Start Date
9-4-2019 2:30 PM
End Date
April 2019
Description
Hurricanes have short-term and long-term impacts to the public’s health, particularly in the southern region of the United States. While numerous research studies were conducted to examine the relationship between hurricanes and health outcomes, it was unclear how these findings may specifically apply to vulnerable populations throughout Georgia. The aim of our service-learning project in the JPHCOPH Social Epidemiology Course was to identify socially vulnerable populations across Georgia in partnership with the South Central Health District and the Effingham County Emergency Management Agency. Our findings indicated the exacerbation of an existing medical issue, disruption of emergency medical services for the chronically ill, and power outages contributed to the common causes of death during hurricanes. Additionally, socioeconomic status, geographic location, age, education, substance abuse history, cultural isolation, and language proficiency were other significant factors for consideration. Identifying vulnerable populations help prioritize resources for humanitarian assistance in the event of a hurricane.
Identifying Vulnerable Populations during Hurricane Season in Georgia
Georgia Southern University- Williams Center
Hurricanes have short-term and long-term impacts to the public’s health, particularly in the southern region of the United States. While numerous research studies were conducted to examine the relationship between hurricanes and health outcomes, it was unclear how these findings may specifically apply to vulnerable populations throughout Georgia. The aim of our service-learning project in the JPHCOPH Social Epidemiology Course was to identify socially vulnerable populations across Georgia in partnership with the South Central Health District and the Effingham County Emergency Management Agency. Our findings indicated the exacerbation of an existing medical issue, disruption of emergency medical services for the chronically ill, and power outages contributed to the common causes of death during hurricanes. Additionally, socioeconomic status, geographic location, age, education, substance abuse history, cultural isolation, and language proficiency were other significant factors for consideration. Identifying vulnerable populations help prioritize resources for humanitarian assistance in the event of a hurricane.
