Term of Award

Fall 2024

Degree Name

Doctor of Public Health in Public Health Leadership (Dr.P.H.)

Document Type and Release Option

Dissertation (restricted to Georgia Southern)

Copyright Statement / License for Reuse

Digital Commons@Georgia Southern License

Department

Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health

Committee Chair

William Mase

Committee Member 1

Bettye Apenteng

Committee Member 2

Samuel Opoku

Abstract

This exploratory qualitative study examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Peach County, a rural Georgia county, focusing on the experiences and strategies of public health workers. The research analyzes preparedness, responsiveness, community-level actions, and crisis communication strategies throughout the pandemic stages, aiming to identify lessons learned and challenges faced.

By drawing on relevant literature and archival data, the study provides a comprehensive understanding of the public health response in Peach County. It emphasizes the importance of crisis leadership, effective management, and recovery strategies in delivering accurate and timely information to the community. These communication networks are crucial in mitigating misinformation and reducing public panic.

Rural counties in Georgia, including Peach County, have experienced higher rates of COVID-19 infections and deaths compared to urban areas, reflecting long-standing health inequities. This study includes the perspectives and first-hand experiences of those vital in the local response to addressing pandemic challenges. However, the county faced significant obstacles, including limited healthcare infrastructure, higher rates of chronic diseases, and socioeconomic challenges.

The findings underscore that successful crisis management relies on robust health infrastructure and effective public communication. While some strategies successfully engaged the community, others faced challenges due to varying levels of trust and access to information among different demographic groups.

This study deepens our understanding of how Peach County can enhance its public health measures, critical sector responses, and risk anticipation capacity for future crises. By documenting the county's unique pandemic response, the research offers valuable insights to policymakers and public health officials, aiming to improve preparedness, infrastructure, and community resilience in similar rural settings. The analysis highlights the importance of adapting strategies to local contexts, strengthening communication networks, expanding telehealth opportunities, closing the digital divide, and raising awareness of the challenges faced by rural communities during public health emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

The lessons learned from this study are crucial for informing future public health strategies, contributing to the knowledge gap, and ensuring that rural communities like Peach County are better equipped to handle emerging health crises.

OCLC Number

1478245882

Research Data and Supplementary Material

No

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