Early warning tools and mental health in East Africa linked to extreme weather
Official title: Investigating pathways between extreme weather and mental health and testing localized, impact-based early warning systems for communities with heightened risk of harm in East Africa
Funded at Columbia Univ New York Morningside · NIH-11418075 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant supports using local weather warnings to help communities in East Africa protect mental well-being during extreme weather events.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia Univ New York Morningside NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 23, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $162,183 |
| NIH project number | 5P20TW012808-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11418075 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include adults in East African communities exposed to extreme weather who participate in data collection, surveys, or respond to early warning advisories.
✕Less likely to help
Some individuals may not experience mental health benefits if they are not exposed to extreme weather or do not engage with the warning systems.
What this research studies
This project focuses on how extreme weather affects mental health in East Africa and tests community-based warning systems that warn about risks and guide actions. It aims to gather data from agricultural, urban, and rural populations to understand stress, anxiety, and other mental health impacts related to weather events. By combining local forecasts with tailored communications, the work seeks practical ways for communities and health centers to respond and build resilience.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, communities in East Africa could receive timely mental health-support guidance and more effective emergency communications during extreme weather.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows that localized warnings can reduce harm and improve preparedness, but this project applies it specifically to mental health and East African contexts.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia Univ New York Morningside
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Winter, Samantha C. — Columbia Univ New York Morningside
- Study coordinator: Winter, Samantha C.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.