Natural hazards, including floods, hurricanes, severe storms, and tornadoes, disrupt healthcare systems and compromise the accessibility and continuity of health services. As the impacts of adverse weather events become increasingly noticeable in the Southeastern United States and worldwide, health professionals, emergency management teams, and policymakers must engage in collaborative efforts throughout the phases of disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. This chapter examines the challenges presented by natural disasters with a particular emphasis on their effects within rural communities and the emergence of associated health concerns. Furthermore, the chapter introduces the lifelines framework, the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI), and other resources and tools to support an evaluative approach. I also provide an application in the context of kidney dialysis treatment to emphasize the intersection of social vulnerability and healthcare delivery during disaster events.

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Emerging Health Issues and Natural Disasters

  • Andy Sharma

摘要

Natural hazards, including floods, hurricanes, severe storms, and tornadoes, disrupt healthcare systems and compromise the accessibility and continuity of health services. As the impacts of adverse weather events become increasingly noticeable in the Southeastern United States and worldwide, health professionals, emergency management teams, and policymakers must engage in collaborative efforts throughout the phases of disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. This chapter examines the challenges presented by natural disasters with a particular emphasis on their effects within rural communities and the emergence of associated health concerns. Furthermore, the chapter introduces the lifelines framework, the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI), and other resources and tools to support an evaluative approach. I also provide an application in the context of kidney dialysis treatment to emphasize the intersection of social vulnerability and healthcare delivery during disaster events.