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American Public Health Association
133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition
December 10-14, 2005
Philadelphia, PA
 APHA 2005
 
4054.0: Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - 9:24 AM

Abstract #112304

California's approach to risk communciation: Diversity, flexibility and model program development

Terri Lee Stratton, MPH and Holly Sisneros, MPH. Emergency Preparedness Office, California Department of Health Services, P.O. Box 997413, MS 7002, Sacramento, CA 95899, 916/650-6457, tstratto@dhs.ca.gov

Post 9/11 concerns regarding terrorism risks have focused new meaning and action on the need to effectively deliver lifesaving instructions. For California, a geographically and culturally diverse state, this presents multiple challenges for statewide risk communication planning. In an attempt to be comprehensive in such a varied environment, the California Department of Health Services, Emergency Preparedness Office has incorporated strategies that provide for flexible and thorough approaches to risk communication. Foundational principles of health education, health behavior and communication have been utilized to develop risk communication objectives and strategies. These strategies include the development of a statewide tool kit, a Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) risk communication plan, and integration of culturally sensitive tactics as they apply to local public health emergencies. The Crisis and Risk Communication Toolkit was developed for use by health education/risk communication staff within local health departments. Designed to augment CDC's Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication Guide, the Tool Kit is interactive, offering the user sample templates, checklists, key messages and worksheets that can be customized to become a stand alone Emergency Communication Guide, accessible and usable during a crisis. Additionally, a multi-dimensional and multi-cultural approach has been created to communicate with all Californians in the event of a public health emergency and empower them to respond to critical health protective measures. The methods highlighted in this abstract demonstrate the use of health education theory and principles in this program development.

Learning Objectives:

  • Objective 1