Public & Environmental Health

Tina Johnson, tinajohnson20050@gmail.com
University of Cincinnati, with Dr. Michelle Burbage

Understanding Environmental Health Through Community Needs Assessment: A Data Driven Approach
Underserved communities often face disproportionate environmental health risks due to systemic inequities and limited access to resources. We hypothesized that a collaborative, community-informed approach to environmental health assessment would better identify local concerns and promote actionable solutions. This research is important because addressing environmental injustice requires data that reflects the lived experiences of affected populations and empowers them to advocate for change. To test this, we conducted a Community Needs Assessment (CNA) in collaboration with the Community Research Advisory Board (C-RAB) and academic experts from the University of Cincinnati. The survey was co-developed to align with environmental health best practices while incorporating direct feedback from community members to ensure cultural relevance, accessibility, and trust. The tool was built and deployed using REDCap, allowing secure and efficient data collection. Preliminary results revealed community-identified concerns such as poor air quality, mold exposure, and lack of access to clean green spaces. These issues were often linked to broader themes of neglect and underinvestment. Feedback from C-RAB and community participants confirmed that the survey reflected their experiences and priorities, validating the co-creation process. Conclusions emphasize that community-engaged research enhances the quality and utility of data for both academic and local stakeholders. This model supports transparency, shared ownership, and sustainability. Future directions include using survey findings to co-develop policy recommendations, advocate for environmental improvements, and expand this model to other neighborhoods facing similar disparities.
 

Lauren Jingles, lauren.jingles@my.utsa.edu
The University of Texas San Antonio, with Dr. Susana Padilla 

Kiss of Death: Chagas Disease
Chagas disease, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is a significant vector-borne illness with expanding public health relevance. While the geographic distribution of its triatomine bug vectors is known, the direct link between these locations and where patients seek medical care is less understood. This study investigates the correlation between the reported geographical distribution of triatomine bugs and the incidence of individuals seeking medical help for bug-related encounters and subsequent Chagas disease diagnoses. We conducted a spatial analysis comparing vector surveillance data with anonymized patient data from regional healthcare providers. The analysis focused on identifying geographic "hot spots" where vector populations and clinical case presentations overlap. Our results reveal a strong positive correlation between the documented presence of triatomine bugs and the rate at which local populations seek medical evaluation for suspected bites and exposure. Furthermore, a statistically significant increase in Chagas disease diagnoses was observed within these same high-risk geographical areas. These findings demonstrate that vector location is a powerful predictor of where human cases are likely to present and be diagnosed. This study highlights the critical need for targeted public health interventions. By using vector maps to predict areas with higher clinical demand, resources for vector control, public awareness campaigns, and clinician education can be deployed more effectively, ultimately improving early diagnosis and reducing the burden of Chagas disease.