The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #50576

Cynthia E. Harris, MSW¹, Joyce Elizabeth Brooks, Msw², and Patricia A Tompkins, RN, MS². (1) DC DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, Department of hEALTH, 825 North Capitol Street, NE, 3rd Floor, Washington, DC 20001, (2) DC Department of Health, DC Department of Health, 825 North Capitol Street, NE, 3rd Floor, Washington, DC 2001, 202 442 9338, cynthia.harris@att.net

In light of the recent attack on America (September 11, 2001 and the possibility of war, the Children with Special Health Care Needs Division (CSHCND), Maternal and Family Health Administration, District of Columbia Department of Health (DOH) developed an Emergency Response Plan to address the biophysical, psychological, and social impact of this and future disasters on children with special health care needs and their families.

CSHCN Advisory Board members, including parents and CSHSND Staff reached out to partner with the Emergency Medical and Health Services Administration, DOH to collaborate on a three-part plan that will address the potential emergent needs of children with special health care needs and their families. The three-part plan includes planning, training, and implementation. Key operational strategies of the Plan include the development of a registry that identifies individual families and community based facilities housing groups of children and youth that may require assistance in the event of a traumatic occurance. Electronic mapping technology will be used to produce a District wide map that can be utilized in responding to a traumatic event.

The planning team will have diverse representation from key agencies and groups such as utility companies, shelters, transport companies, churches (use of church buses), schools (use of school buses) and medical delivery services especially for those children who rely upon special medical equipment and supplies.

The District of Columbia Community-based Emergency Response Plan is a strategy to improve the response readiness of the community and public health workers who form the front line of defense when tradegies occur.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the three-part planning process critical to the development of an effective emergency response program that addresses the needs of children with special needs.
• List five groups and/or agencies among the usual first responders that should be part of a planning committee for the development of the Emergency Response Program for families of children with special needs.
• Discuss three key issues of concern when formulating a local community-based,family-centered, culturally competent Emergency Response Program for families of children with special needs.

Keywords: Bioterrorism,

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.