Diya Mehta – NYU GPH Journal of Public Health Disasters

December 23, 2024December 23, 2024

The Hidden Price of Inaction

Air pollution is an urgent crisis that exacerbates health risks. Individuals are becoming increasingly prone to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, strokes, and more as a result of the changing environment. The Boston University School of Public Health (BUSPH) published an article discussing the progression of the new presidential administration leading towards weakening the Clean Air Act, which ultimately puts thousands of people at risk of death and exposes billions of dollars due to health costs.

December 23, 2024December 23, 2024

Powerful Southern California Wildfires Cause Thousands to Evacuate

Over 4,000 acres of land were caught in flames in the most recent California wildfire, which occurred in Malibu this past month. As of December 13, the Franklin Fire had burned 4,037 acres, with 35% containment achieved. The destructive fire forced nearly 20,000 people to evacuate their homes, and many others were placed on high alert. Authorities issued evacuation warnings and monitored the situation closely.

December 6, 2024December 6, 2024

The Hidden Price of Air Pollution Inaction

October 23, 2024October 23, 2024

Hurricane Milton: A Public Health Emergency

On October 8, 2024, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Xavier Beccerra, declared a public health emergency in Florida as Hurricane Milton reached the coast. Hurricane Milton is said to be the strongest hurricane since Hurricane Rita in 2005 and the strongest hurricane to reach Tampa in the last 100 years, with winds reaching 180mph. The destruction caused 24 deaths and left millions without power. Thankfully, the declaration of a public health emergency reduced the potential destruction Milton could have left in its path.

So, what is the declaration of a public health emergency, and how does it benefit the public?

October 17, 2024October 27, 2024

Highlighting Inequities in Cancer Care Between Low and High Income Countries

The disparity between high-income countries (HICs) and low-middle-income countries (LMICs) continues to persist, with an increasing emphasis on the impact it has on children with cancer. The American Childhood Cancer Organization states that 400,000 children are diagnosed with cancer each year globally; however, thousands of children in LMICs remain undiagnosed, widening the gap between those who receive treatment and those who do not.

October 8, 2024October 8, 2024

How Access to Online Information Reshaped COVID-19 Preparedness

As the COVID-19 pandemic progressed, the internet emerged as a primary source of information, allowing people to become aware of the virus and how to prepare effectively. One study found information accessed during the COVID-19 pandemic changed the preparedness of Chinese netizens—active internet users—regarding the virus. According to the study, variable access to information influences how people perceive disastrous events, shaping their views on susceptibility and severity.