Fall 2024 – NYU GPH Journal of Public Health Disasters

November 19, 2024

Olivia Morris, Neha Shyamkul, and Luis Gomez-Escobar’s Qualtrics Report on COVID-19 and Community Adherence

This Qualtrics report aims to assess public attitudes, behaviors, and perceptions related to COVID-19. Using a cross-sectional survey method, this team analyzed COVID-19 vaccination status, infection history, compliance with public health measures, risk perception, and trust in information sources to understand willingness to follow public health mandates and perceived levels of concern for future pandemics.

November 15, 2024November 15, 2024

Kristin Memoli’s Case Study on the 2016 Winter Storm Jonas

Statue in Washington D.C. during Winter Storm Jonas.

In 2016, Winter Storm Jonas became the largest snowstorm on record for six states across the East Coast of the United States, prompting state of emergencies with the extreme weather event. Economic losses from the storm, including lost wages and disrupted economic activity, were estimated between $500 million and $3 billion.

November 15, 2024

Ritu Bhatt’s Case Study on the Atomic Bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki

Rubble and remains with a man standing in the middle of the frame from the Hiroshima atomic bombing.

On August 6, 1945, the U.S. dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan. The first recorded nuclear weapon detonation over a populated area, the bombing instantly killed an estimated 78,000 people. This was the first nuclear weapon detonation over a populated area, and its devastating impacts on the health of Hiroshima and Nagasaki can still be seen today.

November 15, 2024November 15, 2024

Saba Changizi’s Case Study on the 2008 Chinese Milk Scandal

Mother holds her baby inside of a grocery store.

In September 2008, 300,000 Chinese infants and children experienced kidney and urinary tract issues as a result of the addition of Melamine to infant formula. Following the death of six infants, the Chinese government recalled over 9,000 tonnes of milk powder.

November 14, 2024

Mario Gallegos’ Case Study on Hurricane Harvey

In August 2017, Hurricane Harvey hit parts of Texas and Louisiana. In Houston, Texas, the hurricane affected 44 hospitals and health facilities, leading to the evacuation of approximately 1,544 patients.

November 13, 2024November 13, 2024

Rao Fu’s Precis on Outbreak of Salmonella at Salad Bar

Fu reports on the intentional outbreak of salmonella at a salad bar, highlighting the different approaches taken by public health agencies and law enforcement for intentional versus non-intentional contamination. The analysis touches on the psychological impact that an outbreak can have on a community, and emphasizes the need for building trust and effective communication from public health leaders to decrease fear and distress.

November 4, 2024November 4, 2024

Deshara Thomas’ Case Study on the 2016 Pulse Nightclub Shooting

The 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida, led to the death of 49 people and 53 wounded. The attack at Pulse, an LGBTQ+ nightclub, remains one of the deadliest terrorist attacks, mass shootings, and hate crimes in U.S. history.

November 4, 2024November 4, 2024

Lexie Zinselmeier’s Case Study on the Haiti Earthquake

On January 12, 2010, Haiti was struck by a 7.0 magnitude earthquake. More than 220,000 people died, 300,000 were injured, and 1.5 were left displaced or homeless. The quake was one of the deadliest natural disasters in the 21st century.

October 31, 2024October 31, 2024

Olivia Morris’ Case Study on Hurricane Ida in New York City

On September 1, 2021, remnants of Hurricane Ida brought record-breaking landfall to New York City. The intense rain led to severe flooding, resulting in 14 deaths and over 30,000 damaged structures. Most of the casualties were Asian immigrants living in unregulated basement apartments.