Date Published:

The North Carolina Central University (NCCU) Department of Criminal Justice (CJ) has received a substantial research grant of $100,000 from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to investigate the complex challenges local emergency management agencies encounter in rural communities during medical surge scenarios resulting from catastrophic disasters. This essential research initiative, "Disaster Telemedicine Planning for Medical Surge Following Catastrophic Disasters in Rural Communities in North Carolina," aligns closely with the DHS's overarching mission to enhance homeland security through improved operational planning, robust information sharing, and effective real-time decision-making processes.

Dr. Julian Muhammad, an assistant professor within the Department of Criminal Justice and a Senior Fellow at the NCCU Institute of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, will spearhead the project. Under his leadership, this ambitious one-year project, slated to run from January to December 2025, will actively involve four committed NCCU students — two undergraduate and two graduate students — who will contribute to the research team's efforts.

The research aims to deepen the understanding of disaster telemedicine and its practical applications, particularly in enhancing medical surge capacity in rural communities, which often struggle with inadequate healthcare infrastructure. These communities frequently face barriers in accessing critical care for disaster survivors, due to factors such as limited transportation options and geographic isolation.

Beyond enriching academic discourse, this research is expected to empower local emergency managers by providing them with detailed insights into the unique challenges they face when deploying disaster telemedicine technologies in rural environments. The findings will offer a clearer understanding of critical factors such as technological limitations, training needs, and community engagement strategies. Consequently, this knowledge will play a pivotal role in refining resource allocation and logistical strategies, ultimately ensuring timely and effective responses to the urgent medical needs of injured individuals in rural communities during significant emergency events.

Contact Person:

Julian Muhammad