COVID-19 Projects and Initiatives
The School is maintaining a searchable log of self-reported research and practice efforts Bloomberg School faculty are participating in and the current status of that work. Filters provide a means to identify projects targeting specific populations, departments, or subject areas.
Topics
Bloomberg School faculty are invited to complete this survey to report their work.
Questions?
Please email Katherine Frey with any questions.
Filter Initiatives
Enter a few letters on a topic to filter list, results are filtered as you type.
Research
Precision Prenatal Home Visiting to Promote School Readiness via Good Birth Outcomes
LED BY
Anne Duggan
FOCUS
To examine health equity differences in home visitors and prenatal care impacted by COVID-19
TARGET POPULATION
pregnant women
Population, Family and Reproductive Health; community; US-based; health services
Development of Viral Domain as treatment of COVID-19
LED BY
Anthony Leung
FOCUS
To establish a method to screen compounds against a viral domain in order to identify inhibitors for treatment of COVID-19 and other coronavirus infections
TARGET POPULATION
N/A: Study does not involve human subjects
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; laboratory
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on stocking, pricing, sales, and purchasing in a low-income community grocery store
LED BY
Antonio Trujillo
FOCUS
To study the impact of COVID-19 on prices, stocks and food consumption among low income households
TARGET POPULATION
Community members, Vulnerable populations
International Health; observational study; Baltimore; US-based; policy
JHSPH Policy Advisory Board COVID-19 Colombia
LED BY
Antonio Trujillo
FOCUS
To provide policy advise to the Secretary of Health and the COVID-19 Taskforce in Colombia
TARGET POPULATION
Hospitalized patients, Discharged patients, Community members, Healthcare workers, Individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19, Vulnerable populations
International Health; observational study; serology; international; population; health services; modeling; policy
An Implementation Science Approach to Distribute Treatment Fairly and Assess Efficacy under Expanded Access during the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic
LED BY
Bryan Lau
FOCUS
To conduct a study of the process by which experimental treatments are allocated under expanded access or emergency use authorization (EA/EUA), with the goal of proposing a fair allocation procedure for these experimental treatments when the demand exceeds the supply, and capitalizing on the allocation process to provide rigorous evidence for efficacy and safety
TARGET POPULATION
Hospitalized patients, Individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19
Epidemiology; observational study; US-based; Implementation science; observational study in which estimation of efficacy of treatment is protected from unmeasured confounding
Modeling donor plasma in the larger epidemic: examining strategies of targeting specific populations and supply of convalescent plasma versus development of hyperimmune globulin in order to shift the epidemic curve
LED BY
Bryan Lau
FOCUS
To evaluate strategies of allocation of donor plasma during the COVID-19 pandemic
TARGET POPULATION
N/A: Study does not involve human subjects
Epidemiology; US-based; population; modeling
Economic Impact Model for COVID-19
LED BY
Bryan Patenaude
FOCUS
To develop and test a model designed to estimate the health system economic impact due to COVID-19
TARGET POPULATION
N/A: Study does not involve human subjects
International Health; US-based; international; modeling; policy; economics
Economic Impact of Forgone Immunization due to COVID-19 in Gavi-Supported Countries
LED BY
Bryan Patenaude
FOCUS
To estimate the economic impact of immunizations that have not been delivered in Gavi-supported countries due to disruptions in delivery and campaigns stemming from COVID-19
TARGET POPULATION
N/A: Study does not involve human subjects
International Health; international; modeling; economics
COVID prevention in Vietnam
LED BY
Bach Tran
FOCUS
To study COVID-19 preparedness activities in Vietnam
TARGET POPULATION
Community members, Healthcare workers
Health Behavior and Society; international
COVID-19 and well-being of substance users
LED BY
Carl Latkin
FOCUS
To conduct a mixed-methods phone survey of the physical and mental health among people who use drugs
TARGET POPULATION
Community members, Vulnerable populations
Health Behavior and Society; observational study
Impact of COVID-19 on MSM
LED BY
Carl Latkin
FOCUS
To study the impact of COVID-19 on MSM in Baltimore
TARGET POPULATION
Vulnerable populations
Health Behavior and Society; observational study
Rapid assessment of COVID-19
LED BY
Carl Latkin
FOCUS
To conduct an Mturk longitudinal study of the impact of the pandemic
TARGET POPULATION
General public
Health Behavior and Society; observational study
B cell responses to SARS-CoV-2
LED BY
Diane Griffin
FOCUS
To examine the development, maturation, durability and specificity of the antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 over time among COVID-19 patients with mild and severe disease
TARGET POPULATION
Hospitalized patients, Discharged patients, Healthcare workers, Individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19, Vulnerable populations
Molecular Microbiology and Immunology; serology host-pathogenesis; laboratory
COVID-19 and mental health measurement working group
LED BY
Elizabeth Stuart
FOCUS
To obtain measures of mental health though large-scale national and international surveys. There is curently varrious survey data in house (from Pew, USC, Texas, etc.) that will assist with creating research papers related to mental health during the pandemic.
TARGET POPULATION
N/A: Study does not involve human subjects
Mental Health; observational study; epidemiology; US-based; international; population
International Facebook COVID symptom survey
LED BY
Elizabeth Stuart
FOCUS
To engage in a collaborative relationship with Facebook and faculty at the University of Maryland to conduct a large scale national and international survey of COVID symptoms, including 2 core mental health measures will provide access to the data on millions of Facebook users over time, and work with the COVID map team to possibly put some of those measures on the JHU COVID map page.
TARGET POPULATION
General public
Mental Health; observational study; epidemiology; US-based; international; population
COVID-19 Control – A Johns Hopkins University Study
LED BY
Frank Curriero
FOCUS
To use an app designed for individual users to record their temperature and any associated symptoms, which will be used to maps temperature and symptom data geographically and use app-based analytics to identify regional anomalies representing emerging disease outbreaks
TARGET POPULATION
General public
Epidemiology; observational study; epidemiology; US-based; population; Geography
Effect of chronic immunosuppression on severity of illness among individuals hospitalized with COVID-19
LED BY
G. Caleb Alexander
FOCUS
To conduct a retrospective cohort study using electronic health records from a large health system, to be followed by similar analysis using national, multicenter data
TARGET POPULATION
Hospitalized patients, Individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19
Epidemiology; observational study; epidemiology; population; health services
Effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on access and affordability of prescription medicines in the United States
LED BY
G. Caleb Alexander
FOCUS
To conduct an analysis of monthly data from a pharmacy supply chain characterizing national sales, pricing and distribution, by molecule, from manufacturers to end users
TARGET POPULATION
National audit of pharmacy supply chain
Epidemiology; observational study; US-based; health services; policy
Registered Clinical Trials Assessing Treatments for COVID-19
LED BY
G. Caleb Alexander
FOCUS
To complete a cross-sectional analysis of clinical trials for the treatment of COVID-19 that were registered in the United States or contributing to the World Health Organization’s Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTR)
TARGET POPULATION
N/A: Study does not involve human subjects
Epidemiology; randomized trial; observational study; drug trial; international; policy
Safety and efficacy of hydroxychloroquine for the treatment of individuals hospitalized with COVID-19
LED BY
G. Caleb Alexander
FOCUS
To analyze the efficacy of hydroxychloroquine in COVID-19 patients using electronic health records from across the country
TARGET POPULATION
Hospitalized patients, Individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19
Epidemiology; observational study; US-based; population
Utilization and Quality of Telehealth During the COVID-19 Pandemic
LED BY
G. Caleb Alexander
FOCUS
To analyze the effectiveness of telehealth as compared with face-to-face ambulatory encounters
TARGET POPULATION
Nationally representative sample
Epidemiology; observational study; US-based; health services; policy
Virus-vectored monoclonal antibody gene delivery for immunization against SARS-CoV-2; Rapid creation of mouse models for SARS-CoV-2 research
LED BY
Gary Ketner
FOCUS
To use virus-vectored hACE2 gene delivery to generate mice of diverse genetic backgrounds that can be infected by SARS-CoV-2 for use in immunological studies of pathogenesis, treatment, and prophylaxis
TARGET POPULATION
N/A: Study does not involve human subjects
Molecular Microbiology and Immunology; genetics/omics; host-pathogenesis; immunotherapy; laboratory; Animal models
An Autism Spectrum Disorder Enriched Risk ECHO Cohort
LED BY
Heather Volk
FOCUS
To assess the impact of COVID-19 on health as part of the Early Childhood Hearing Outreach (ECHO) initiative using a COVID-19 related questionnaire
TARGET POPULATION
This study follows up members of the EARLI cohort
Mental Health; epidemiology; US-based
Host lipid uptake by microbes
LED BY
Isabelle Coppens
FOCUS
To conduct a study of the host cell lipids required by enveloped viruses like Cov-2 egress, and how virus salvages would interfere with the virus lifecycle
TARGET POPULATION
N/A: Study does not involve human subjects
Molecular Microbiology and Immunology; laboratory; host-Cov2 interactions at the cellular level
Assessing Physical Activity and Sleeping Patterns During the COVID-19 Pandemic in PASOS
LED BY
Jennifer Schrack, Kunihiro Matsushita
FOCUS
To collect wrist-worn accelerometry data on several hundred participants of the Study of Latinos/PASOS study in NY and SD to understand the effects of COVID-19 and social distancing measures on physical activity, sleep and stress/fatigue levels
TARGET POPULATION
Participants of the Study of Latinos will be contacted for enrollment
Epidemiology; observational study; population
NA-ACCORD Supplement: Supporting the establishment of clinic-based COVID-19 cohort studies
LED BY
Keri Althoff
FOCUS
To support the establishment of COVID-19 cohort studies using electronic health record data and survey data.
TARGET POPULATION
Hospitalized patients, Discharged patients, Community members, Individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19
Epidemiology; observational study; Baltimore; US-based; laboratory; population; health services
SARS-Cov-2 antibodies in specimens from people in motor vehicle crashes and victims of other trauma in five US cities from October 2019 to March 2020
LED BY
Keri Althoff
FOCUS
To identify SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgM antibodies in blood specimens from those sustaining serious injuries in 5 cities (4 states) from October 2019-March 2020
TARGET POPULATION
Biospecimens are from a study population recruited for non-COVID-19 aims
Epidemiology; observational study; serology; Baltimore; US-based; laboratory; population
Cytokine Storm and Severe COVID-19 Disease Progression: Identification of Vulnerable Subgroups from Baseline Biomarker Data
LED BY
Karen Bandeen-Roche
FOCUS
To characterize inflammatory trajectories among patients treated for COVID-19 in outpatient, inpatient and ICU settings in the JHH health system, characterize subgroups of patients by their biomarker profiles upon first COVID-19-driven contact with the health system, and evaluate whether disease course varies by baseline biomarker profile subgroups
TARGET POPULATION
Hospitalized patients
Biostatistics; observational study; Baltimore; US-based; population
Assessing COVID-19 knowledge and practices among formal and informal primary care providers in India
LED BY
Krishna Rao
FOCUS
To study the experience and capacity of primary care providers in Bihar, India with the goal of understanding how well primary care providers are informed about COVID-19 and management practices. The research will be used to inform government action in Bihar.
TARGET POPULATION
Healthcare workers
International Health; observational study; international; health services; policy
Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT) Grant for in vitro methods for research on COVID-19
LED BY
Thomas Hartung
FOCUS
To restructure the Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT) grant to be responsive to the COVID-19 challenge
TARGET POPULATION
N/A: Study does not involve human subjects
Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing; international; laboratory; modeling
COVID-19 case fatality ratio: curation, variation and homogeneity
LED BY
Li Liu
FOCUS
To study and describe the COVID-19 Case Fatality Rate
TARGET POPULATION
Secondary data
Population, Family and Reproductive Health; epidemiology; community; US-based; international; population; modeling
COVID-19 CFR among institutionalized populations
LED BY
Li Liu
FOCUS
To study and describe the COVID-19 Case Fatality Rate among institutionalized populations
TARGET POPULATION
Secondary data
Population, Family and Reproductive Health; epidemiology; community; US-based; international; population; modeling
COVID-19 Antibody Testing of Patients with ESRD
LED BY
Mara McAdams DeMarco
FOCUS
To use a test developed to detect COVID-19 antibodies in human blood within 15 minutes in a population of patients with End Stage Renal Disease. A questionnaire will be sent assessing COVID-19 symptoms, risk factors, treatments, and the psychosocial impact of COVID-19 that will help compare rates of antibody positivitiy between older and younger patients as well as frail and nonfrail patients.
TARGET POPULATION
Patients undergoing dialysis
Epidemiology; observational study
Public health evaluation of an online social connection and crisis intervention program for veterans
LED BY
Alain Labrique
FOCUS
To examine the efficacy of a community-developed online crisis intervention program for veterans
TARGET POPULATION
Vulnerable populations
International Health; observational study; epidemiology; community; population; health services; Internet; video games; veterans; military; digital health; online communities; suicide prevention; mental health stigma
COVID-19 Action Info Guide
LED BY
Youseph Yazdi
FOCUS
To create a COVID-19 action guide based upon reliable and actionable information, updating regularly based upon user feedback
TARGET POPULATION
N/A: Study does not involve human subjects
Center for Bioengineering, Innovation and Design; international; health services; Digital health practice; evidence development
Transit in a Time of COVID-19
LED BY
Tara Sell
FOCUS
To determine best practices around maintaining public transit during the COVID-19 epidemic
TARGET POPULATION
N/A: Study does not involve human subjects
Environmental Health and Engineering; Center for Health Security; community; Baltimore; US-based; international; population; policy
A Multicenter, Adaptive, Randomized Controlled Trial of the Safety and Efficacy of Investigational Therapeutics for the Treatment of COVID-19 in Hospitalized Adults
LED BY
Noreen Hynes
FOCUS
To conduct a randomized controlled trial designed to identify safe and effective therapeutic agents for the treatment of COVID-19 patients
TARGET POPULATION
Hospitalized patients
International Health; School of Medicine (Infectious Diseases); randomized trial; drug trial; international
COVID-19 & Humanitarian
LED BY
Paul Spiegel
FOCUS
To use a website developed with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and the Center for Education and Research in Humanitarian Action to document and share context-specific field experiences in humanitarian settings
TARGET POPULATION
Healthcare workers
International Health; community; international; health services
COVID-19: Projecting the impact in Rohingya refugee camps and beyond
LED BY
Shaun Truelove
FOCUS
To provide expertise and assistance in the conduct of the analysis and planning pertinent to the current nCoV outbreak in order to assist public health officials in decision making, preparedness, and response
TARGET POPULATION
Vulnerable populations
Epidemiology; International Health; modeling
Host Genetics and COVID-19
LED BY
Priya Duggal
FOCUS
To evaluate the role of host genetics on the pathogenesis of COVID-19 to understand differences in severity of disease, and correlations with immune and inflammatory markers
TARGET POPULATION
Hospitalized patients Discharged patients, Individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19, Household members of positive cases
Epidemiology; School of Medicine; serology; genetics/omics; host-pathogenesis; population
Understanding and mitigating real-time differential gendered effects of the COVID-19 outbreak
LED BY
Kelley Lee
FOCUS
To document and analyze gender impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak
TARGET POPULATION
Community members, Healthcare workers, Vulnerable populations
Simon Fraser University; international; Gender and sex differences; social science
Comparative assessment of digital platforms for COVID-19 response in LMICs
LED BY
Smisha Agarwal
FOCUS
To conduct an assessment of existing digital platforms that can be rapidly scaled up to support contact tracing and surveillance for COVID-19. The assessment will support decisions of donors and policymakers in low- and middle-income countries for developing an effective response to COVID-19
TARGET POPULATION
N/A: Study does not involve human subjects
International Health; community; international; health services; policy
COVID-19 Informational Bot
LED BY
Smisha Agarwal
FOCUS
To collaborate with Whiting School of Engineering on the development of a chatbot that can be hosted on a variety of websites and social media portals to answer COVID-19 related questions, counter misinformation, and reinforce facts
TARGET POPULATION
N/A: Study does not involve human subjects
International Health; US-based; international; modeling
Support for Health Care Workers and Direct Services Staff
LED BY
Tener Veneema
FOCUS
To understand the current mental health and social support needs of Johns Hopkins Health Care and Kennedy Krieger Institute (KKI) employees
TARGET POPULATION
Healthcare workers, family members of healthcare workers
School of Nursing; Baltimore; health services
Panel study of behaviors and mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic in Malawi
LED BY
Stephane Helleringer
FOCUS
To conduct a 6-month follow-up of approximately 800 men and women previously enrolled in a mortality survey in Northern Malawi to assess the impact of COVID-19 on health behavior and mortality
TARGET POPULATION
Community members
Population, Family and Reproductive Health; observational study; international; population
Deployment of convalescent plasma for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19
LED BY
Arturo Casadevall
FOCUS
To contribute to broader serology efforts by setting up ELISAs for testing sera for IgM, IgG, and IgA responses specific to the full-length spike (S) protein and soluble receptor binding domain (sRBD) of S and to provide antibody titer information
TARGET POPULATION
Hospitalized patients, Discharged patients, Community members, Healthcare workers, Vulnerable populations
Molecular Microbiology and Immunology; observational study; serology; genetics/omics; diagnostics; laboratory
Johns Hopkins Center of Excellence for Influenza Research and Surveillance
LED BY
Andrew Pekosz, Richard Rothman
FOCUS
To analyze data generated by the Klein Lab using antigen, monoclonal antibodies, and sera as part of surveillance efforts lead by the Johns Hopkins Center of Excellence in Influenza Research and Surveillance. Analyses of ELISA data will be correlated with neutralizing antibody titers from assays performed by Professor Andrew Pekosz.
TARGET POPULATION
Hospitalized patients, Discharged patients, Community members, Healthcare workers, Vulnerable populations
Molecular Microbiology and Immunology; observational study; serology; genetics/omics; diagnostics; laboratory
Specialized Center of Research Excellence on Sex Differences
LED BY
Sabra Klein
FOCUS
To study the immunological, virological, and transcriptional factors associated with greater severity of COVID-19 in men than women in an elderly, residential population as an administrative supplement to the Specialized Center of Research Excellence on Sex Differences (SADII SCORE)
TARGET POPULATION
Hospitalized patients, Discharged patients, Community members, Healthcare workers, Vulnerable populations
Molecular Microbiology and Immunology; observational study; serology; genetics/omics; diagnostics; laboratory
Neurotropy of SARS-2-CoV
LED BY
Thomas Hartung
FOCUS
To study the impact of COVID-19 infection on mini-brains, submitting applications to NIAID for a 3D tissue virus research center and to NIEHS to study neurotoxicants as cofactors
TARGET POPULATION
N/A: Study does not involve human subjects
Environmental Health and Engineering; Molecular Microbiology and Immunology; host-pathogenesis; laboratory; modeling
Susceptibility of cigarette-smoke exposed and COPD epithelia to SARS-CoV-2
LED BY
Venkataramana Sidhaye
FOCUS
To conduct a study to determine if the disruption in epithelial integrity increases susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 among people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
TARGET POPULATION
N/A: Study does not involve human subjects
School of Medicine (Medicine); host-pathogenesis; laboratory
Impacts of Urban Rats and Rodent Control on Public Health and Urban Wildlife Conservation
LED BY
Maureen Murray
FOCUS
To add a survey to a planned research study evaluating human-rat interactions in urban environments which will test the hypothesis that rat encounters within neighborhoods and households may increase as a result of the COVID stay at home orders and that perceptions of the potential of infectious disease transmission via human-animal interactions may increase use of poisons or have a negative impact on mental health or wildlife attitudes.
TARGET POPULATION
Community members
Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago; observational study; community; US-based
RAPID‐Baltimore: A mobile application for rapid access to infectious disease information for Baltimore
LED BY
Daniela Rodriguez
FOCUS
To develop a human‐centered web‐based platform that bridges the gap between online resources and marginalized communities, Rapid Access to Infections Disease Information for Baltimore (RAPID-Baltimore), by linking Spanish‐speaking residents of Baltimore City with a one‐stop shop featuring the most up‐to‐date information on COVID‐19, including health, school closures, and food distribution.
TARGET POPULATION
Community members, General public
International Health; community; Baltimore; US-based; population; health services; technology
Estimating the size of high-risk individuals for COVID-19 mortality and serious illness across 500 US cities
LED BY
Nilanjan Chatterjee
FOCUS
To estimate number of individuals who are at elevated and high risks for COVID-19 serious illness and mortality across a large number of US cities using data from a large variety of sources and to expand these efforts through work with PAHO/WHO to provide similar estimates for other countries
TARGET POPULATION
General public
Biostatistics; observational study; epidemiology; US-based; international; modeling; policy
Community Collaboration to Combat COVID-19 (C-FORWARD)
LED BY
Shruti Metha, Jason Farley, Jacky Jennings
FOCUS
To enroll a population-based cohort study of Baltimore City households to characterize the prevalence and incidence of COVID-19 in the community and the associated clinical, social, and economic consequences. The target population will include English- and Spanish-speaking families residing in Baltimore City households (N=238,436). We propose to enroll ~1,300 households in Baltimore City recruited through a household index member. We will use a multi-stage approach with 1) systematic selection of 105 of 486 census block groups (CBGs) with probabilities proportional to the estimated number of occupied households; 2) stratification of CBGs into six strata defined by socioeconomic status and race/ethnicity with oversampling of CBGs with harder-to-reach populations (e.g., low-income whites, Latinos); 3) random selection of residential addresses within each of the strata; and finally 4) screening of households selected for eligibility (e.g., occupied vs. not, English/Spanish speaking). All household participants will be asked to complete surveys and in-person visits for biospecimen collection at baseline and 12 months. Participants will also receive automated calls/texts with weekly symptom checks and monthly assessment surveys; reporting of a specific profile of symptoms may trigger an additional unplanned study visit.
TARGET POPULATION
Community Members
observational study; serology; epidemiology; community; Baltimore
COVID-19-Related Youth Mentoring– An Examination of How Mentors are Interacting with Youth Mentees during the Pandemic
LED BY
Michelle Kaufman
FOCUS
To better understand youth mentoring practice and health communication during an acute health emergency. The findings of this study will provide valuable data regarding how supportive adults (i.e., “mentors”) communicate with youth about emerging health concerns, particularly during social isolation.
TARGET POPULATION
General Public
observational study; epidemiology; US-based; international; modeling; policy
eCR Now - Electronic Case Reporting for COVID-19
LED BY
John Loonsk
FOCUS
To operationalize the automated identification of reportable health events in electronic health records and their transmission to state and local public health authorities for review and action nationwide
TARGET POPULATION
N/A: Study does not involve human subjects
epidemiology; public health informatics
Gender and social, economic, and safety impact of COVID-19 among youth in LMICs
LED BY
Michele Decker
FOCUS
To perform mixed methods research with young men and women as well as key stakeholders to understand social, economic, and safety impacts of COVID-19 mitigation measures, risk perception, and gender differences therein
TARGET POPULATION
Community members, general public
observational study; epidemiology; international
National Health and Aging Trends Study COVID-19 Supplement
LED BY
Judith Kasper
FOCUS
To conduct a survey by mail of NHATS participants (65+) on effects of COVID on daily life and follow-up survey to persons who helped most during COVID. Covers COVID symptoms and behaviors; effects of stay-at-home; comparisons before and during COVID for activities, finances, health care, well-being. Helper survey covers similar topics. Linkable to NHATS annual interviews. De-identified data will be available to researchers on NHATS website in 2021. Instruments can be viewed at https://micda.isr.umich.edu/research/covid-19/
TARGET POPULATION
Community members, Pregnant and recently pregnant women
observational study; epidemiology; community; international; population
Quantifying the Digital Disparities in Youth Telemental Health Need, Access and Impact
LED BY
Holly Wilcox
FOCUS
To link data from multiple sources in Maryland to 1) identify predictors of youth suicide by race/ethnicity and 2) study access to and continuity of mental health services before and during COVID-19 among youth by race/ethnicity
TARGET POPULATION
Hospitalized patients, Discharged patients, Community members, Individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19, Vulnerable populations, General public
observational study; epidemiology; community; Baltimore; population; health services; modeling; policy; telemedicine; telemental health
Regulation of cell death by SARS-CoV-2 proteins
LED BY
J. Marie Hardwick
FOCUS
To understand virus-host cell interactions modulated by SARS-CoV-2 proteins that inhibit and/or promote induction of cell death pathways
TARGET POPULATION
N/A: Study does not involve human subjects
laboratory
Responsible Science Communication in Times of a Global Pandemic
LED BY
Gundula Bosch
FOCUS
To collaborate with community partners to produce a series of online (mobile-device compatible) modules that will provide accessible tools and training units to help champion challenging communications in the context of COVID19-related topics. Project participants will work together to develop and apply competencies that help explain ambiguities in COVID-19 related news, rationally yet compassionately correct misconceptions, and dismantle logical fallacies, conspiracy theories or even intentional falsehoods.
This educational community engagement project includes a significant research component as we will develop an evaluation scheme for assessing the effectiveness of advanced communication practices in a community setting and look into long-term outcomes in terms of ethical standards in science communication.
TARGET POPULATION
Community members, Students, The human subject research- related component of this work will only take place at a later stage of this study (earliest in late 2021). The development and internal testing of the training modules mentioned above will not require IRB approval.
observational study; community; Baltimore; US-based; international; effective communication; ethics; community engagement; educational research
RISE network survey during COVID-19
LED BY
Albert Wu
FOCUS
To survey a network of hospitals that have implemented the JHU RISE peer support program to investigate adaption related to COVID response
TARGET POPULATION
Directors of hospital staff support programs
survey
Sex differences and the cytokine storm associated with COVID-19 mortality
LED BY
Fenna Sillé
FOCUS
To determine the molecular drivers of the sex differences observed in SARS-CoV-2 disease pathogenesis, with a special emphasis on X-linked gene expression and the innate cytokine storm driven by respiratory epithelial cells and to assess the value of immunosuppressant use to mitigate the cytokine storm during SARS-CoV-2 infection across the sexes. We hypothesize that the upregulation of sex-linked genes contributes to a more protective antiviral response in females during the early phases of SARS-CoV-2 infection, compared to males who rather develop a lethal cytokine storm. We further hypothesize that this sex-specific detrimental cytokine storm can be mitigated with immunostimulants targeting the early phases of epithelial-driven antiviral response and immunotherapies targeting instrumental proteins and pathways that trigger the cytokine storm. To test these hypotheses, we will pursue the following aims: Aim 1: Determine the sex-specific differences in gene expression and cytokine/chemokine responses in vitro in broncho-epithelial cells upon SARS-CoV-2 infection. Aim 2: Establish the relative efficacy of a variety of immune-suppressive therapies to reduce SARS-CoV-2 infection severity in male vs. female broncho-epithelial cells in vitro
TARGET POPULATION
Study includes uninfected de-identified cells from commercial sources
host-pathogenesis; immunotherapy; laboratory
Practice
COVID Among Prisoners, Detainees, and Undocumented Migrants
LED BY
Chris Beyrer
PROJECT TEAM
Leonard Rubenstein, Gabe Eber, Kathleen Page
FOCUS
To conduct policy work and advocacy on COVID-19 among prisoners, detainees, and undocumented migrants
TARGET POPULATION
Vulnerable populations, Prisoners and detainees
PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS
ACLU of Maryland, Federal Defenders, Refugees International, Physicians for Human Rights
International Health; Epidemiology; School of Medicine; epidemiology; community; Baltimore; US-based; policy
COVID in Jails and Prisons
LED BY
Leonard Rubenstein
PROJECT TEAM
Carolyn Sufrin, Chris Beyer, Gabe Eber
FOCUS
To address issues related to COVID-19 in jails and prisons
TARGET POPULATION
Community members, Individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19, Policy makers, Community based organizations, General public, Vulnerable populations
PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS
ACLU, State's Attorney Baltimore
Epidemiology; Health Behavior and Society; community; Baltimore; population; policy; prisoners
COVID and UV Light
LED BY
David H. Sliney
PROJECT TEAM
N/A
FOCUS
To organize the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists webinar on Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation to control COVID-19 and other biological aerosols
TARGET POPULATION
Healthcare workers, Industrial Hygienists and Infection Control Audience
PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)
Environmental Health and Engineering; US-based; PPE; hospital infection control
Reopening Baltimore
LED BY
Keshia Pollack Porter
PROJECT TEAM
Aisha Dickerson, Yeeli Mui, Shima Hamidi, Megan Latshaw, Josh Sharfstein
FOCUS
To work with the Mayor's Neighborhood Commercial District Reopening Initiative to develop and implement designs to reconfigure public right of way and public spaces to maximize outdoor seating and other business needs, as Baltimore begins to re-open
TARGET POPULATION
Community members, General public, workers
PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS
Baltimore Development Corporation
Health Policy and Management; Epidemiology; International Health; Environmental Health and Engineering; Health Policy and Management; community; Baltimore; population; policy; built environment
COVID Modeling
LED BY
Krishna Rao
PROJECT TEAM
David Bishai
FOCUS
To support/advise CARE-India in COVID-19 modeling
TARGET POPULATION
Policy makers
PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS
CARE-India, BMGF
Population, Family and Reproductive Health; modeling
Health Communication and Education
LED BY
Carl Latkin
PROJECT TEAM
Lauren Dayton
FOCUS
To develop health communication and education materials for Baltimore
TARGET POPULATION
Community members, Vulnerable populations
PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS
City Health Dept, community organizations
Health Behavior and Society; Baltimore
COVID and UV Light
LED BY
David H. Sliney
PROJECT TEAM
N/A
FOCUS
To organize a webinar and a report on Germicidal Ultraviolet
TARGET POPULATION
Hospitalized patients, Healthcare workers, Policy makers, Hospital engineering community
PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS
Illuminating Engineering Society, New York, NY
Environmental Health and Engineering; US-based; international; health services; PPE; aerosol disinfection
Attacks against Health Workers
LED BY
Leonard Rubenstein
PROJECT TEAM
Andrea Wirtz
FOCUS
To track violence against health workers in connection with COVID-19
TARGET POPULATION
Healthcare workers, Policy makers, General public
PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS
Insecurity Insight, IntraHealth International
Epidemiology; international; population; health services; policy; violence
Humanitarian Aid
LED BY
Paul Spiegel
PROJECT TEAM
N/A
FOCUS
To create/host weekly COVID-19 humanitarian webinars in conjunction with READY project, the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and the Center for Education and Research in Humanitarian Action
TARGET POPULATION
Vulnerable populations
PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS
LSTMH, CERAH (Geneva)
International Health; population
Epidemiology
LED BY
Tolbert Nyenswah
PROJECT TEAM
Brandon Howard
FOCUS
To examine what the Ebola outbreak in West Africa can teach about COVID-19
TARGET POPULATION
Students, Policy makers, General public
PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS
N/A
International Health; Baltimore; US-based; international; population; policy
COVID Modeling
LED BY
Elizabeth Stuart
PROJECT TEAM
N/A
FOCUS
To communicate COVID-19 modeling efforts to the general public and to encourage collaboration between academic fields
TARGET POPULATION
Policy makers, General public, Non public health researchers
PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS
N/A
Mental Health; health services; modeling; policy
Mental Health
LED BY
Michelle Colder Carras
PROJECT TEAM
N/A
FOCUS
To develop a weekly stream on Twitch about topics related to COVID-19 and mental health
TARGET POPULATION
Community based organizations, General public, Vulnerable populations, Veteran and military members of the Stack Up online community, their supporters, and the general public
PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS
Stack Up
International Health; community; international; Digital health; mental health; Internet; online communities; evidence development; misinformation; infodemic; live streaming
Curating COVID-related Publications
LED BY
Emily Gurley
PROJECT TEAM
Kate Grabowski
FOCUS
To rapidly curate and assess emerging research on SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19, we prioritize original, high-quality research for public health action and papers receiving significant attention, regardless of quality
TARGET POPULATION
Health care workers, Policymakers, Community-based organizations, General public
PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS
Imperial College of London, Boston University, University of Florida, Harvard University, USN ONR Global Singapore, Epidemiology, Pathology
Diagnostics; Epidemiology; US-based; International; Laboratory; Population; Health services; Modeling; Policy; Ecology and spillover; Pharmaceutical Interventions; non-pharmaceutical interventions; Vaccine; Clinical presentation; Prognostic risk factors
Automated Reporting
LED BY
John Loonsk
PROJECT TEAM
N/A
FOCUS
To operationalize the automated identification of reportable health events in electronic health records and their transmission to state and local public health authorities for review and action.
TARGET POPULATION
Hospitalized patients, Healthcare workers, Individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19, Policy makers, Community based organizations
PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS
CDC, CSTE, APHL, Health Policy and Management, Center for Population Health Information Technology
Epidemiology; Population; Public heath informatics
Healthcare Worker Peer Support
LED BY
Albert Wu
PROJECT TEAM
Cheryl Connors, David Norvell
FOCUS
To provide peer support to health workers experiencing emotional distress during COVID-19 at JHM
TARGET POPULATION
Healthcare workers
PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS
Health Policy and Management, Armstrong Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Spiritual Care, Johns Hopkins Hospital
Staff support; Peer support
Accessing Home Care Services in Spain
LED BY
Vicente Navarro
PROJECT TEAM
N/A
FOCUS
To advise the Vice Presidency for Social Affairs of the Spanish Government on: (1) Universalizing the right of access of Spanish families to child care centers (0-3 years) and home care services for persons with dependencies, in the pandemic and post-pandemic period. The advising includes analyzing the needs, the resources, the management and the funding of such services. (2) The adaptation of the Spanish development of the UN 2030 Agenda to the new social situation created by the pandemic (objective by objective).
TARGET POPULATION
Policy makers, General public
PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS
Vice Presidency for Social Affairs of the Spanish Government, Health Policy and Management, The JHU-UPF Public Policy Center in Barcelona, Spain
Community; International; Population; Policy; Post-pandemic
Community Education
LED BY
Gundula Bosch
PROJECT TEAM
Brian Klaas, Brian Simpson, Ilinca Ciubotariu
FOCUS
To collaborate with community partners to produce a series of online (mobile-device compatible) modules that will provide accessible tools and training units to help champion challenging communications in the context of COVID19-related topics. Project participants will work together to develop and apply competencies that help explain ambiguities in COVID-19 related news, rationally yet compassionately correct misconceptions, and dismantle logical fallacies, conspiracy theories or even intentional falsehoods. This educational community engagement project includes a significant research component as we will develop an evaluation scheme for assessing the effectiveness of advanced communication practices in a community setting and look into long-term outcomes in terms of ethical standards in science communication.
TARGET POPULATION
Community members, Students
PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS
Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Communications
Observational study; Community; Baltimore; US-based; International; Effective communication; Ethics; Community engagement; Educational research
Distribution of Supplies through Community Based Organizations
LED BY
Albert Wu
PROJECT TEAM
Christine Weston, Lee Boone, Romsai Boonyasai, Vadim Dukhanin, Lindsay Hebert
FOCUS
To provide food, personal protective equipment, household goods to people in East Baltimore through local Community Based Organizations, Church and Neighborhood Association that are members of Baltimore CONNECT
TARGET POPULATION
Community members, Community based organizations, Vulnerable populations
PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS
Baltimore CONNECT Inc (501c3), Health Policy and Management, Health Behavior and Society, General Internal Medicine
Community; Baltimore; PPE; Food