Environmental Factor – April 2021: Disaster Research Response Experts share their thoughts on the pandemic

At the start of the pandemic, many people believed that COVID-19 would be the so-called great fair. Because no one is immune to the new coronavirus, everyone can be affected, regardless of race, wealth or geography. Instead, the epidemic has proven to be the biggest culprit, hitting marginalized communities hard, according to Marcus Hendricks, Ph.D.from the University of Maryland.

Hendricks combines environmental justice with disaster vulnerability factors to ensure low incomes and communities of color in responses to extreme events. (Photo courtesy of Marcus Hendricks)

Hendricks spoke at the inaugural symposium of the National Health and Safety Foundation’s Environmental Health Sciences Network for Disaster Research Response (DR2). The meetings, held over four sessions from January to March (see sidebar), examined the environmental health dimensions of the COVID-19 crisis. More than 100 scientists are part of the network, including those from NIEHS-funded research centers. DR2 launched the network in December 2019 to enhance timely research in response to disasters.

Through wide-ranging talks at the symposium, experts from academic programs across the country shared how lessons from past disasters helped shape responses to the current pandemic.

The environment constitutes health

covid-19 pandemic Reducing life expectancy in the United States by one year, but by nearly three years for blacks. Texas A&M University Benica Dixon, dlinked this disparity to factors such as economic stability, access to health care and education, social structures, and the environment.

For example, estimated 71% of blacks They live in counties that violate federal air pollution standards. People with COVID-19 who are exposed to high levels of PM2.5, or fine particlesmore likely to die from this disease.

What can researchers do to address these health disparities? “We can collect data; tell us [Black communities’] Stories; dispel misinformation; work with community partners; And connect people to testing, care, and vaccines,” Dixon said.

knowledge is power

Sharon Croisson, Ph.D., of the University of Texas Medical Branch, explained that in a year gripped by COVID-19, her home state has also dealt with record temperatures and extreme pollution. And recently, a violent winter storm left millions without electricity and water. “But the biggest casualty has been the erosion of trust and faith in the systems we depend on,” she said.

The biggest loss has been the erosion of trust in the systems we rely on. Sharon Croissant

Croissant partnership with Rice University to announce COVID-19 registration, which captures the impact on people in Texas, based on an effort similar to Hurricane Harvey. The registry helped support policy decisions and direct resources where they are most needed.

She also developed a series of well-attended webinars that covered mental health, vaccines, and education – topics demanded by community organizations. “It brought us home just how hungry people were for accurate information and access to scientists,” Croissant said.

be ready

“It is clear how important the NIEHS DR2 program is, both to examining the important environmental issues facing our vulnerable communities and for stepping up to provide support [them] “When disaster strikes,” Miller said. (Image credits to Steve McCaw / NIEHS)

NIEHS DR2 Program Director Aubrey Miller, MD, asked how the field could enhance its ability to collect and deliver vital environmental health sciences in true partnership with disaster-affected communities.

Johnny Lewis, Ph.D.of the University of New Mexico, the researchers proposed to develop a core set of educational materials, in multiple languages ​​and formats, that could be published every time a disaster strikes.

“We know we will face floods, infectious diseases and fires,” she said. “Having these resources available early on would be very valuable.” According to Lewis, PSAs developed by her group during Hurricane Katrina were downloaded every time a flood occurred anywhere in the world.

Disaster fatigue is real

For many researchers and members of the public, the COVID-19 pandemic has been the longest lasting disaster ever.

“In disaster science, we often talk about disaster fatigue, the idea that we want to move on and forget about it,” he said. Nicole Errett, Ph.D.from the University of Washington. “But we need to make sure that we continue to invest in this important work so that we can uncover the problems our communities face and make evidence-based decisions about how to address them.”

quotes:
Andrasvay T, Goldman Inn. 2020. Reductions in US life expectancy for 2020 due to COVID-19 and the disproportionate impact on the black and Latino population. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 118 (5): e2014746118.

Wu X, Nethery RC, Sabath MB, Braun D, ​​Dominici F. 2020. Air Pollution and COVID-19 Mortality in the United States: Strengths and Limitations in Environmental Regression Analysis. Sci Adv 6 (45): eabd4049.

(Marla Broadfoot, PhD, contract writer for the NIEHS Office of Communications and Public Liaison.)

from San Jose News Bulletin https://sjnewsbulletin.com/environmental-factor-april-2021-disaster-research-response-experts-share-their-thoughts-on-the-pandemic/