Project Summary

This study examines how the allocation of resources across medical, social, and public health services at the county level influences the relative success in controlling the progression of the COVID-19 pandemic.  The project focuses on resource allocation decisions across sectors as a collective impact process that may influence the ability of organizations to cooperate effectively across sectors in responding to the pandemic. Researchers from Johns Hopkins University will collaborate with the National Association of County & City Health Officials (NACCHO), representatives of public health, medical care, and social services sectors to complete the study. Findings will be used to inform counties on how spending allocations for medical, social and public health services can improve population health during a pandemic. 

Principal Investigators

• Alison Gemmill, PhD
  Assistant Professor
  Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
• Beth Resnick, DrPH, MPH
  Senior Scientist & Director
  Office of Public Health Practice and Training
  Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

Methodology

Using a positive deviance modelling approach, the study analyzes national longitudinal data from the U.S. Census of Governments, the National Longitudinal Survey of Public Health Systems, and the COVID-19 Tracking Project, together with qualitative stakeholder interviews, to identify the best and worst performing states and counties in controlling pandemic progression, and to explore the contributions of resource allocation patterns.