Addressing vulnerability risk factors can strengthen Pennsylvania communities

Credit: Adobe Stock

Credit: Adobe Stock

Problem

How can policymakers and community groups better address social and economic factors that make some populations more vulnerable to risk in the face of a crisis?

The coronavirus pandemic has revealed the vulnerability of segments of the population to significant physical, social, and economic upheaval.

Findings

Penn State researchers developed an online tool to assist community leaders and policymakers in understanding and mitigating these vulnerabilities.

  • Interactive maps illustrate data on the prevalence of 12 vulnerability risk factors, such as poverty, housing cost burden, lack of broadband internet access, poor healthcare coverage, food insecurity, and others.
  • Narrative text and discussion questions facilitate engagement and stimulate thought about how, why, and where the pandemic and resulting disruptions could affect local populations.

Impact

Although growing out of the COVID-19 crisis, the project has a longer-range value. This research and tool will help to:

  • Catalyze citizens, civic groups, nonprofit organizations, and the public and private sectors to think about not only how to guide residents through the current crisis but also approaches to address chronic issues affecting various populations
  • Strengthen communities, leaving them more prepared to face challenges and recover from unexpected events in the future

Related Research Area: Community Resilience and Capacity

Research Credit

Team

Participating Departments

Partners

  • Penn State Center for Economic and Community Development, Penn State Extension

Federal and State Appropriations

  • USDA NIFA Multistate Hatch Project PEN04633, Accession #1014522; USDANIFA Smith-Lever Project PEN08103

Emerging Discoveries

Online Tool

Office for Research and Graduate Education

Address

217 Agricultural Administration Building
University Park, PA 16802-2600

Office for Research and Graduate Education

Address

217 Agricultural Administration Building
University Park, PA 16802-2600