International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health | Interview with the Author—Prof. Fernando I. Rivera

Name: Prof. Fernando I. Rivera
Affiliation: Puerto Rico Research Hub, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA

“Compound Crises: The Impact of Emergencies and Disasters on Mental Health Services in Puerto Rico”
by Fernando I. Rivera, Sara Belligoni, Veronica Arroyo Rodriguez, Sophia Chapdelaine, Varun Nannuri and Ashley Steen Burgos
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(10),1273; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21101273
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/21/10/1273

The following is an interview with Prof. Fernando I. Rivera:

1. Congratulations on your recent publication! Could you briefly introduce yourself and share your current research focus with our readers?

My name is Fernando Rivera, and I’m a professor of sociology. I also serve as the Director of the Puerto Rico Research Hub at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, FL, USA.
To share a bit of my background, I focus on mental health issues, particularly among Latino ethnic subgroups. My research disaggregates populations to reveal significant differences often hidden in generalized studies. I’m also deeply interested in disaster resilience, studying the social conditions and community networks that enable effective emergency responses.
One pivotal event that shaped my work was Hurricane Maria in 2017, which devastated Puerto Rico and highlighted gaps in emergency planning and mental health services. This experience has driven my studies of mental health services available on the island and the experiences of Puerto Ricans who relocated to Florida.

2. Mental health services in Puerto Rico seem to face many challenges. How do they compare to those available in Florida?

The challenges are significant in both settings, but they’re more pronounced in Puerto Rico. Florida offers more licensed providers and diverse mental health resources, but even there, demand often exceeds capacity. In Puerto Rico, economic constraints, a shortage of mental health professionals, and limited public health program coverage exacerbate the problem.
Additionally, the island’s aging population creates further challenges, as many young professionals migrate to the mainland. Despite ongoing efforts, like the work of my colleague Dr. Nicasio, mental health often takes a backseat until symptoms become severe.

3. Your research intersects with climate change and disasters. How do you approach these issues from a sociological perspective?

Climate change isn’t just an environmental issue; it profoundly affects social relationships, health, and resource access. For instance, extreme weather events like hurricanes reshape communities, disrupt social networks, and create long-term health challenges.
In Florida, reliance on air conditioning highlights the tension between livability and energy consumption, underscoring the need for sustainable practices. Climate change also drives migration, as people displaced by extreme weather seek stability, reshaping demographics and social dynamics.

4. How do health challenges fit into this framework?

Health is central to understanding disaster impacts. People with chronic conditions, like diabetes or those dependent on medical equipment, are particularly vulnerable during extreme weather. Losing access to electricity or medical supplies during a hurricane, for example, can be life-threatening. Addressing these vulnerabilities requires both immediate interventions and long-term systemic changes.

5. What aspect of your work excites you the most, and have you encountered unexpected challenges?

Involving students in research is incredibly rewarding. Their contributions not only advance knowledge but also have real-world implications, such as improving mental health services in Puerto Rico.
A significant challenge has been the lack of access to public data on mental health and related issues. Transparency is essential for addressing social inequalities, but barriers like limited resources and reluctance to share data often hinder progress.

6. What motivated you to submit to IJERPH, and how was the publishing process?

I was excited by the Special Issue call for papers on mental health services, which aligned perfectly with my research. The publishing process was efficient, with excellent communication from the editorial team. I also appreciated the open access model, which ensures broader visibility and accessibility, especially for the populations we study.

7. Do you have any feedback for improving the journal?

Overall, my experience has been excellent. One area for improvement might be setting clear expectations about timelines and processes. For example, quick decisions, even desk rejections, can help authors focus their efforts elsewhere and save valuable time.

We would like to express our gratitude to Prof. Fernando I. Rivera and his research group for choosing the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (IJERPH, ISSN: 1660-4601) as the platform to publish their research. Submissions and inputs related to the area of health promotion and health presentation are welcomed by our journal.