2020 Theses Master's

Urban Planning Solutions for a Public Health Crisis: COVID-19 Related Sociodemographic Factors and Stressors Impacting Pediatric Oncology Patients and Their Families

Sheinfeld, Shoshana Alexa

This thesis uses a case study approach to evaluate the COVID-19 related sociodemographic factors and stressors that impact households with a pediatric hematology oncology patient and analyzes how the urban environment and built environment interact with and exacerbates these factors and stressors. Discussion focuses on ways New York City can leverage existing programs to maximize reach to cover medically or otherwise vulnerable households, as well as offer longer-term policy solutions to increase the resilience of New York and New Yorkers. This thesis concludes that urban planning tools can meaningfully address a public health crisis and makes the case that it is more important than ever to study, work, and develop interventions across disciplines to advance common goals.