ABOUT THE PROJECT

Two linear graphs of "Chronic Disease Projections" data.

Sponsor:

THRC's Community Health and Economic Resilience Research (CHERR) Center of Excellence

PI:

Dr. Eduardo Perez

Research Pillar(s):

An icon of a road with a leaf cluster as the middle pavement marking.
A briefcase icon with a Red Cross symbol, meant to represent the STEM and Healthcare Workforce priority.
A head icon with a heart in place of a brain, meant to represent the Personal Health and Wellbeing pillar.
An icon of an medical monitor showing heart beat activity, meant to represent the Digital Healthcare Transformation pillar.
An ambulance moving at high speed with the siren on, meant to represent the Emergency Preparedness pillar.
This project uses operations engineering to address how climate-related disasters, such as floods, affect health outcomes, particularly for people with chronic illnesses like heart disease. Current disaster management strategies often overlook human behavior and social conditions, but both of these factors influence how individuals respond in a crisis. This research bridges this gap by applying operations engineering to develop advanced models that account for both behavioral complexity and social factors in disaster planning.
 
The project uses a mixed-methods approach, combining interviews and large-scale data analysis with advanced computer simulations. Its main goals are to:
  • Develop new models that capture how behavior, mental health, and social conditions influence the risk of heart disease during disasters.
  • Create frameworks that merge engineering and health science to guide disaster preparedness.
  • Test and validate these models in real-world emergency systems.
Ultimately, this work will help establish a new area of research at the intersection of behavior, health, and disaster operations. It also aims to provide emergency managers, health officials, and policymakers with practical tools to design more effective disaster responses, with a particular focus on communities that are most vulnerable.

Researchers & Collaborators

Headshot of Dr. Eduardo Perez.

Dr. Eduardo Perez

Faculty Fellow, THRC

Professor, Ingram School of Engineering

Headshot of Dr.Shinwoo Choi.

Dr. Shinwoo Choi

Associate Professor, Social Work

University of Texas El Paso

Headshot of Dr. Elizabeth Ekren

Dr. Elizabeth Ekren

Research Associate

Translational Health Research Center

Headshot of Dr. Francis Mendez Mediavilla

Dr. Francis Mendez Mediavilla

Professor

Department of Information Systems and Analytics

PARTNERS

Texas Dept of State Health Services logo.
Center for Health Emergency Preparedness & Response (CHEPR) logo.

INTERACTIVE DATA MODEL

Decision-making tool to inform planning for future natural disasters.

PUBLICATIONS

Providing Continuity of Care for Chronic Diseases After Natural Disasters: A Resource Allocation Model for Public Health Preparedness in Texas

Author: Dr. Eduardo Perez

Two key strategies emerged to reduce the impact of disasters on patients with CVD:

  • Encourage providers and insurers to assist patients with personal preparedness plans.
  • Improve information-sharing platforms to ensure access to health records for displaced patients.
Doctor pointing at a model heart while talking to patient

Mixed Integer Programming Model for Planning Interventions to Care for Cardiovascular Patients After Natural Disasters

Authors: Faria Farzana & Eduardo Perez

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major cause of death in the U.S., and the risk grows in disaster-prone areas where displaced people may lack access to essential medications. Mobile pharmacies can help fill this gap. This study uses a mathematical model to optimize where mobile pharmacies should be placed, achieving up to 78% coverage in affected areas. A cost-effectiveness analysis also helps policymakers balance coverage with limited resources. The model offers a practical framework to strengthen disaster preparedness, improve access to care, and protect vulnerable populations.

Emergency room medical staff rush patient in hospital bed

An Agent-Based Model to Assess Interventions for Continuous Care of Cardiovascular Diseases After Natural Disasters

Authors: Faria Farzana & Eduardo Perez

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major driver of rising deaths in the U.S., and the risk worsens during natural disasters when patients in shelters often lack access to treatment. This study uses an agent-based model to simulate the impact of hurricanes on CVD patients, showing an average 14% increase in mortality—similar to rates seen in Texas. The model helps forecast long-term health outcomes and guide public health planning for disaster response.