Work

Identifying Health Care Access Gaps in Areas of Oregon at High Risk of Respiratory Hospitalization During Wildfires

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Wildfire smoke causes respiratory health concerns. The study estimates respiratory hospitalization risk from wildfires, determines distance to a hospital, and identifies concentrations of smoke-sensitive groups far from a hospital to facilitate public health and emergency preparedness in Oregon using spatial analysis. METHODS: Statistically significant environmental factors were identified with regression and used with wildfire and pollution concentrations to predict respiratory hospitalizations. A weighted overlay of the significant factors formed a statewide risk layer. Proximity to the hospital nearest to each Census block was determined by driving distance. Clusters of smoke-sensitive groups, determined by relevant Census demographics, were identified through a Hot Spot Analysis. RESULTS: This process allowed for highlighting locations of smoke-sensitive groups in areas at high risk for respiratory hospitalization from wildfire smoke who were far from a hospital. The results allow local officials to identify the type and magnitude of needs they can expect in the event of a wildfire. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate a process to facilitate wildfire preparedness in Oregon. This process could be adapted to inform wildfire resilience strategies in other regions facing similar challenges, such as California. Understanding local needs allows officials to target communications more effectively, stage resources more efficiently, and identify gaps that can be addressed before a disaster strikes.

Source: Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness

DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2025.131

Authors: Anita Lee Mitchell, Su Jin Lee, Pooya Naderi, Ashley Hansen, Kerry Farris, Kyle Chapman

Institutions: Boise State University, Oregon Institute of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Air Quality and Health Impacts

Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,550