Hurricane Milton: A Public Health Emergency

Hurricane Milton

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?  

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Highlighting Inequities in Cancer Care Between Low and High Income Countries

Fighting Cancer

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. 

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How Access to Online Information Reshaped COVID-19 Preparedness

Person wearing mask, on phone.

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.

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