Hurricane Sandy Recovery Research
In October 2013, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), along with the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, and NEISH awarded $7.1 million in grants to support research to aid the long-term recovery in areas hard hit by the storm. The grants are unprecedented and represent the first time HHS has funded research needed by local communities to support long-term recovery efforts.
Grant Recipients and Research Focus
Columbia University, New York
Project Title: Fungal Exposure in NYC Homes Damaged by Hurricane Sandy and Respiratory Outcomes
Description: To study fungal exposure in New York City homes and subsequent respiratory issues among children in homes damaged due to Hurricane Sandy.
Health Research Inc. & the New York State Department of Health, New York
Project Title: Assessing Health Effects and Risk Factors after Hurricane Sandy
Description: To study whether people with certain neighborhood characteristics or social/physical vulnerability, or those who have been relocated for long periods of time are more vulnerable to mental health problems or other adverse health outcomes after Hurricane Sandy.
New Jersey State Department of Health & New Jersey Medical School, New Jersey
Project Title: Impacts on Health and Mental Health post Superstorm Sandy
Description: To characterize the morbidity, mortality, and hospitalization trends by cause and risk factors in the year after Hurricane Sandy in New Jersey state.
Feinstein Institute for Medical Research and Nassau County (NY) Department of Human Services, New York
Project Title: Development of a Vulnerability Profile of the Psychological Sequelae of Hurricane Victims
Description: To understand the psychological impact of Hurricane Sandy, as well as investigate the impact of various displacement strategies on the mental health of residents.
Public Health Solutions and the New York City Department of Mental Health and Hygiene, New York
Project Title: Impact of Hurricane Sandy on Morbidity and Mortality in NYC
Description: To study the impact of the hurricane on morbidity and mortality in health care facilities and nursing homes, evaluate community and individual risk factors for injury-related morbidity and mortality, and determine the short- and long-term effects of Hurricane Sandy on the mental health of New York City residents.
Health Research, Inc. and the New York State Department of Health, New York
Project Title: NYSDOH Hurricane Sandy Recovery: Priority Research Area C: Evaluation of the Public Health System Response
Description: To evaluate the New York State Department of Health public health system in its preparation, response, and recovery from Hurricane Sandy, and to research modifications needed to improve future response and recovery.
Columbia University, NY Morningside, Westchester County (NY) Department of Health and Nassau County Department of Human Services, New York
Project Title: Evaluation of Public Health Systems Response to Hurricane Sandy in the NYC Area
Description: To evaluate the Nassau and Westchester County Health Departments’ response to Hurricane Sandy, and determine how public health workers can improve their disaster response and recovery efforts.
Johns Hopkins University and Cecil County (MD) Health Department, Maryland
Project Title: Examining and Enhancing Public Health Workers’ Sense of Efficacy Toward Hurricane Sandy
Description: To study challenges local public health agency workers faced during Hurricane Sandy and assess workers’ perspectives toward the recovery challenges.
Queens College, New York
Project Title: Reducing Occupational Hazards of Sandy-Related Work of Immigrant Day Laborers
Description: To identify potential barriers and facilitators for protecting Latino construction day laborers conducting Sandy-related recovery construction work and to develop, evaluate, and disseminate worker education and training materials.
Columbia University, New York
Project Title: Impact of Health Department Worker Safety Training on Health Impacts after Sandy
Description: To evaluate the impact of New York City health department-conducted worker safety training of lay persons and volunteers on the incidence of illness and injury due to exposure to environmental hazards after Hurricane Sandy.
New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, New Jersey
Project Title: Evaluating the Needs, Knowledge and Health Impacts of Three Worker Populations During and After Superstorm Sandy
Description: To assess work-related health effects associated with Hurricane Sandy and determine similarities/differences between “routine” and “emergency-related” work tasks, exposures, and health outcomes for three worker populations.
University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Connecticut
Project Title: Recovery from Catastrophic Weather: Mold Exposure and Health-Related Training
Description: To develop, evaluate, and disseminate mold exposure- and health-related training materials for emergency response personnel and health care providers.
Rand Corporation, New York
Project Title: Assessing and Managing Health Risks from Fugitive Chemicals after Hurricane Sandy
Description: To assess exposure to and build a model of potential health risks to recovery workers exposed to fugitive chemicals in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. Findings will guide decision-making for mitigation, treatment, and health communication strategies.