The Community Assessment to Inform Rapid Response (CAIRR): A Novel Qualitative Data Collection and Analytic Process to Facilitate Hyperlocal COVID-19 Emergency Response Operations in New York City

Abstract

All disasters are local but implementing a hyperlocal response in the midst of a public health emergency is challenging. The availability of neighborhood-level qualitative data that are both timely and relevant to evolving objectives and operations is a limiting factor. In 2020, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC DOHMH) responded to the COVID-19 emergency using a novel, hyperlocal approach. Key to the implementation of this approach was the creation of the Community Assessment to Inform Rapid Response (CAIRR), a process for rapid collection and analysis of neighborhood-specific, objective-focused, qualitative data to inform tailored response operations. This paper describes the process of developing the CAIRR and its contribution to the NYC DOHMH's hyperlocal response in order to guide other jurisdictions seeking to employ a hyperlocal approach in future disaster responses.

Keywords: COVID-19 incident command system; disaster response; health equity; hyperlocal.

Figure 1.

Cumulative confirmed SARS-CoV-2 case rates by neighborhood in NYC (July 2020). The map illustrates the disparities in cumulative SARS-CoV-2 PCR postive case rates by neighborhood in NYC, with darker areas corresponding to higher case rates (range 645-4,587 per 100,000 residents) Neighborhoods are defined as modified zip code tabulation areas. Data are from July 31, 2020 but the disparities were evident before, and after this date. Data collection and analysis was carried out by the NYC DOHMH’s Surveillance and Epidemiology Branch, while the data were collated by the NYC DOHMH’s Integrated Data Team.

Figure 2.

General timeline of hyperlocal response, including the CAIRR. The graphic illustrates a general timeline of the hyperlocal response in each neighborhood, beginning with neighborhood selection. The NRT assigned to a neighborhood’s borough was responsible for overseeing that borough. Shaded steps indicate the CAIRR, while those in outline were joint operational pieces. During the CAIRR’s early implementation, this timeline was executed once per neighborhood.