Funded Projects
Call 1: Health Outcomes and Disaster Research
The following is a list of funded awards as part of a call dedicated to addressing gaps in knowledge related to disasters—such as wildfires, floods, extreme heat, and severe storms—that pose significant health risks, particularly for populations already experiencing health challenges. To learn more, read the full call for Health Outcomes and Disaster Research.
Mental Health Impacts of the 2024 Ohio Tornadoes on People With Socioeconomic Disadvantages
Amer Abukhalaf, Clemson University
Date Awarded: May 23, 2024
The rare breakout of tornadoes in Ohio between February and April 2024 caused alarm among people in Franklin County, which added to the mental health burden of the socioeconomically challenged communities in the county. Our research will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews, to capture the complexity and heterogeneity of individual experiences. Quantitative data will provide statistical analyses of mental health indicators and socioeconomic variables, while qualitative insights will offer rich narratives and contextual understanding of the social and psychological dimensions of disaster recovery, which will help our team promote resilience and capacity-building initiatives.
Assessing Health and Environmental Impacts of 2023 Maui Wildfires on Asian Americans
Shinwoo Choi, Texas State University
Yong Je Kim, Lamar University
Date Awarded: December 4, 2023
In August 2023, a catastrophic wildfire engulfed Maui, Hawaii, taking 115 lives and destroying thousands of homes. The aftermath poses significant environmental challenges, including soil contamination and potential health risks. This research focuses on Asian American survivors, the largest ethnic minority in Maui County, investigating their health and mental well-being post-wildfire. It also examines the perspectives of healthcare providers regarding the impact of wildfire on soil contamination and health. Soil samples will be collected to assess contamination risks. The study seeks to illuminate the unique experiences of Asian American communities, contributing to disaster response and environmental conservation.
Wildfire Smoke in Northern California: Family Risk Perceptions and Mental Health Impacts
Kathleen Lynch, New York University
Alexis Merdjanoff, New York University
David Abramson, New York University
Date Awarded: August 20, 2024
The 2024 California wildfire season is anticipated to be one of the longest and most intense in state history. Wildfire smoke is not an acute exposure but a recurrent hazard which accumulates over time. Its fluctuation also leads to variation in threat perception and response, even within families. Using a dyadic interviewing approach, this project aims to examine the distinct mental health concerns, risk perceptions, and event related decision-making among two vulnerable but understudied age cohorts: young adults (18-34) and members of the ‘sandwich generation' (50-64), to inform age-tailored risk communication strategies for future smoke events.
Nebraska Tornado Quick Response: Assessing Community Impacts and Evaluating Early Warnings
Sarah Elizabeth Scales, University of Nebraska Medical Center
Summer Woolsey, University of Nebraska Medical Center
Kristina Kintziger, University of Nebraska Medical Center
Rachael Birn, University of Nebraska Medical Center
Siddhi Munde, University of Nebraska Medical Center
Date Awarded: June 18, 2024
On April 26, 2024, a tornado outbreak affected communities in Nebraska and Iowa, including Washington and Douglas counties in Nebraska. There has been little rapid response research that assesses needs, mental and physical health impacts, and lived experiences of communities affected by tornadoes. Using an alternative rapid needs assessment methodology adapted for rural communities and community-based surveys, we will assess the acute needs of both urban and rural communities. Focus group interviews will be used to characterize early warning systems, and a protective action decision-making framework will be used to assess community engagement with and uptake of warnings.
Transportation as a Social Determinant of Health During Hurricane Idalia
Xiang Yan, University of Florida
Catherine Campbell, University of Florida
Shih-Kai Huang, Jacksonville State University
Xilei Zhao, University of Florida
Date Awarded: November 16, 2023
This project will survey and interview Florida residents impacted by Hurricane Idalia to understand the role of transportation as a social determinant of health during hurricanes. Specifically, a survey will be conducted to reveal how transportation factors (e.g., vehicle ownership, disability) constitute a major barrier for people to evacuate before the hurricane and to access healthcare and food throughout Hurricane Idalia’s aftermath. The research team will also conduct interviews to understand how transportation-disadvantaged populations coped with healthcare/food access challenges during the hurricane, as well as the role of transportation assistance in addressing their access needs.
Call 2: Health Outcomes and Disaster Research
The following is a list of funded awards as part of a call dedicated to addressing gaps in knowledge related to disasters—such as wildfires, floods, extreme heat, and severe storms—that pose significant health risks, particularly for populations already experiencing health challenges. To learn more, read the full call for Health Outcomes and Disaster Research.
Examining Hurricane Helene Flooding Vulnerabilities and Health Disparities in Southern Appalachia
Jennifer First, University of Missouri
J. Brian Houston, Disaster and Community Crisis Center
Kristina Kintziger, University of Nebraska
Megan Waddle, University of Missouri
Sarah Scales, University of Nebraska
Kelsey Ellis, University of Tennessee
Michael Sunde, University of Missouri Jordan Fazio, University of Tennessee
Date Awarded: December 30, 2024
This interdisciplinary study examines the spatial, temporal, and contextual dimensions of flooding and health disparities in low-income Appalachian communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. Using a convergent mixed methods approach, this study examines natural, built, and social environments that contribute to flooding and health disparities in southern Appalachia and seeks to address disparities by developing a dynamic convergent process to integrate geospatial, social, and health sciences with stakeholder practices and policies. Project findings aim to reduce societal harm and promote equitable flood mitigation and recovery, benefitting marginalized populations, emergency managers, and public health professionals in the Appalachian region.
Climate Change Disasters: Chronic Disease Management Following Hurricane Helene in East Tennessee
Kimberly Kelly, University of Tennessee
Kenneth Hohmeier, University of Tennessee
Charleen McNeill, University of Tennessee
Tyler Melton, University of Tennessee
Michelle Martin, University of Tennessee
Date Awarded: December 30, 2024
Individuals in rural Appalachia have increased morbidity and mortality from chronic disease. These challenges were exacerbated by Hurricane Helene in September of 2024, which resulted in widespread flooding, property damage, and deaths. Due to road destruction, loss of homes and cars, and electrical outages, individuals with chronic disease have had problems managing their condition, including having access to needed prescriptions. This mixed methods study will survey and interview physicians, pharmacists, and nurses about ways to improve disaster management planning for healthcare professionals serving patients with chronic disease.
Longitudinal Evaluation of Wildfire Impacts on a Cohort of People Experiencing Homelessness in Los Angeles
Randall Kuhn, University of California, Los Angeles
Jessie Chien, University of California, Los Angeles
Benjamin Henwood, University of Southern California
Evan Shannon, University of California, Los Angeles
Date Awarded: February 24, 2025
This rapid response proposal will address the longitudinal impacts of the January 2025 Southern California Wildfires within an existing representative monthly cohort survey of about 500 people experiencing homelessness. The project aims to support (a) the collection of self-reported data on wildfire and wind exposure, (b) the integration and cross-validation of remotely sensed data on wildfire exposures, and (c) impact evaluation research comparing the short-term impacts of wildfire/wind exposure on a wide range of self-reported measures of physical and mental health, healthcare access, and basic needs access among disaster-exposed vs. less-exposed respondents.
Exploring Mental Health Impact of Hurricane Beryl on Minorities in Houston, Texas
Oluponmile Olonilua, Texas Southern University
John Aliu, University of Georgia
Date Awarded: October 22, 2024
This study investigates the immediate and enduring mental health impacts of Hurricane Beryl on minorities in the Third Ward and Fifth Ward areas of Houston. Using a mixed-methods approach, it will examine how environmental hazards intersect with social vulnerabilities to affect mental well-being post-disaster. Quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews explore stressors, barriers to mental health services, and culturally sensitive coping strategies. By addressing critical gaps in current literature, this research seeks to inform policy, enhance disaster preparedness, and promote resilience in marginalized communities. This interdisciplinary study will contribute to understanding disaster resilience and mental health, advocating for equitable interventions, and empowering communities.
Transit Riders’ Health Risks and Adaptive Travel During the Los Angeles Wildfires
Matthew Palm, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Tara Goddard, Texas A&M University
Ryan Miller, California Polytechnic State University
Sang-O Kim, University of California, Los Angeles
Sarah Grajdura, Utah State University
Sarah Dennis, University of Washington
Madeline Brozen, University of California, Los Angeles
Amy Lee, University of California, Los Angeles
Date Awarded: February 5, 2025
Fast-moving wildfires pose unique evacuation challenges for transit-dependent populations, who often face compounded risks of prolonged air pollution exposure and disrupted access to essential services. This study will investigate the experiences of transit riders during the 2025 Eaton and Palisades wildfires in Los Angeles, leveraging innovative rapid recruitment through the Transit App. By collecting perishable data on evacuation behaviors, air pollution exposure, and health-protective actions, we aim to fill critical knowledge gaps at the intersection of environmental justice, transportation equity, and disaster planning. Findings will inform equitable evacuation strategies, ensuring the safety and resilience of the most vulnerable urban populations.
Mental Health of Community Volunteers in the Aftermath of Hurricane Helene
Sophia Ryan, Appalachian State University
Maggie Sugg, Appalachian State University
Jennifer Tyson, Appalachian State University
Date Awarded: December 30, 2024
Hurricane Helene ravaged Western North Carolina in September 2024. Isolated rural geographies and infrastructure failures, including washed out roads and bridges, and downed cellular towers and power lines, compounded with the intensity of the storm, which delivered 20 to 30 inches of rain in 24 hours and led to widespread damage and disruption, increasing potential mental health stressors. This study aims to address gaps in understanding mental health risk and resilience factors among rural volunteers impacted by disasters. Survey data will assess mental health impacts beyond the immediate disaster response period, developing a transdisciplinary framework that incorporates geographic, social, and resource-limited factors.
Impacts of Flooding on Opioid Use Disorder in Western Pennsylvania
Virginia Silvis, The Pennsylvania State University
Brian King, The Pennsylvania State University
Halie Kampman, The Pennsylvania State University
Date Awarded: November 21, 2024
Much of Western Pennsylvania lies in a floodplain, making residents vulnerable to floods that are increasingly exacerbated by climate change. Our study explores how and why people in recovery from opioid use disorder (OUD) have unique vulnerabilities to flooding events. We use a case study approach, studying the impacts of the flooding event on April 11-12, 2024 in Allegheny and Washington counties. We ask how flooding impacts the recovery community, with a focus on structural vulnerabilities. Semi-structured interviews with first responders and professionals employed at OUD treatment centers will expand on the nuances of flooding impacts and ultimately improve services.
Acknowledgements
The Health and Extreme Weather Research Award Program is funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) through supplemental support to the National Science Foundation (NSF Awards #1635593 and #2536173). Opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations produced by this program are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the NIH, NSF, or the Natural Hazards Center.