Date of Award

Fall 11-6-2025

Embargo Period

11-20-2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Health Administration

Department

Health Administration

College

College of Health Professions

First Advisor

Jillian Harvey

Second Advisor

Ragan DuBose-Morris

Third Advisor

Kit Simpson

Abstract

Healthcare systems, particularly in urban centers like New York City (NYC), are at severe risk due to the increasing frequency and intensity of climate-related events, which are being driven by climate change. In NYC, extreme heat events (EHE) are defined as two or more days with a heat index (HI) of or higher, or one or more days reaching . These events exacerbate health inequities, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations, such as older adults and individuals with chronic illnesses (PwCD). The primary objective of this mixed-methods study is to investigate the impact of EHE on healthcare utilization, primarily emergency department (ED) utilization from 2019-2022, among Medicare populations in NYC and control counties in New York State. It will further assess chronic disease care management in heat action plans (HAP) and examine preparedness strategies through qualitative research with the German Red Cross in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Ultimately, this study aims to be an impetus for a toolbox for public health, healthcare systems, and government agencies in NYC, to make healthcare systems more ready and able to respond.

Rights

Copyright is held by the author. All rights reserved.

Available for download on Friday, November 20, 2026

Share

COinS