Project Summary: Advancing Community Resilience through a Climate and Health Dashboard
Principal Investigator: Dr. Lola Adepoju, Clinical Associate Professor and Director of Research, Humana Integrated Health System Sciences Institute, University of Houston
Researchers at the University of Houston have been awarded a $1.5 million grant from the National Academy of Sciences to address health equity challenges in Houston’s medically underserved neighborhoods during natural disasters. Led by Dr. Lola Adepoju, the project aims to develop a comprehensive public health data system, focusing on the mental health impacts and social needs of vulnerable populations in the aftermath of successive natural disasters.
Goals:
The primary goal of this initiative is to study the relationship between successive natural disasters, social needs, and mental health outcomes in Houston’s socioeconomically challenged neighborhoods. The project seeks to develop a community-centric climate and health dashboard, co-owned by the residents, to provide essential resources and support for coping with the short and long-term mental health impacts of disasters. By concentrating on the Third Ward, Fifth Ward, and Kashmere Gardens initially, the project aims to create a scalable model that can be extended to other communities over time.
Methods:
Dr. Adepoju's team will collaborate closely with community leaders to develop the climate and health dashboard, incorporating features that allow residents to share pictures and thoughts from previous natural disasters. The dashboard will serve as a platform for community members to connect, find comfort, and share experiences. The research will focus on understanding the mental health patterns of adults with chronic conditions, acknowledging the compounding effects of disasters on both mental health and existing medical conditions.
Community Engagement:
This project distinguishes itself through its emphasis on community partnerships. The dashboard will not only be a tool for data collection but a co-owned resource developed collaboratively with community residents and organizations. Dr. Adepoju envisions this community-driven approach as a means to empower residents, allowing them to actively engage with the dashboard and contribute to the improvement of their quality of life in the face of climate challenges.
Significance:
Houston, one of the most diverse cities in America, faces heightened vulnerability due to its demographic composition, with over 60% of residents identifying as Black or Hispanic. Research indicates that these populations are disproportionately impacted by natural disasters, often lacking basic resources such as health care, safe housing, and transportation. The project aims to raise awareness of mental health issues, provide resources for recovery, and ultimately contribute to building resilience in these vulnerable communities.
Previous Research and Context:
The project builds upon a five-year survey by the UH Hobby School of Public Affairs, initiated after Hurricane Harvey, which highlighted the lower percentages of complete recovery from natural disasters among vulnerable populations in the Greater Houston area. The high health care uninsurance rate in these communities further exacerbates access barriers to essential primary care.
In conclusion, this project represents a unique opportunity to integrate community-driven solutions with rigorous research, aiming to improve the overall well-being and resilience of Houston’s underserved neighborhoods in the face of climate challenges.