 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Randolph Rowel, PhD and Paul Archibald, MSW. Public Health Program, Morgan State University, 1700 E. Coldspring Lane, 343 Jenkins Building, Baltimore, MD 21251, 443-885-3138, rrowel@morgan.edu
Problem:
The role of public health practitioners in implementing the Federal Response Plan is well documented in Emergency Support Function # 8. Although a plethora of federally sanctioned curricula were developed, limited attention was given to the cultural implications of implementing these functions when working with various racial/ethnic groups. Failing to give attention to the cultural implications of these plans could lead to health disparities and unequal treatment of these groups should there be a bioterrorism attack in this country.
Method:
Morgan State University Public Health Program organized a Bioterrorism Public Health Advisory Committee (BPHAC) involving persons from surrounding universities, city and state health agencies, a congressional office, and a private sector company specializing in preparedness for weapons of mass destruction. Guided by recommendations from BPHAC, researchers examined training materials to identify possible cultural competent issues.
Results:
As a result of this effort the following were identified: · Criteria for assessing federally sanctioned bioterrorism public health preparedness materials. · Listing of federally funded curricula. · Identified cultural competent needs of training materials. · List of recommendations to improve cultural competence of bioterrorism training curriculum.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Bioterrorism, Cultural Competency
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.