Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #112426

Jane Mobley, PhD, Jane Mobley Associates, 116 West 3rd Street #102, Kansas City, MO 64105, 816-472-1930, jmobley@janemobley.com and Elaine Tatham, PhD, ETC Institute, 725 West Frontier Circle, Olathe, KS 66061.

Although efforts to study diverse populations exist, few regions have a working overview of special needs populations, including the physically and mentally challenged, non- or limited-English speaking, very old or young, illiterate, residentially or culturally isolated people that must be reached in widespread health emergencies. Moreover, people don't trust authority as much as they once did. Those who are – or believe they are – marginalized trust even less. That means usual official channels don't work as well in crises anymore. Helping people make good decisions and take appropriate action for themselves, families and fellow citizens during widespread hazards today requires multiple channels and trusted sources.This presentation grew from our research and planning efforts nationwide that reveal people's preference to act like others they trust, other people in their chosen groups: neighborhood, extended family/friend, work-connected, interest-related. Such groups are especially crucial to special needs populations whose “trusted resources” are pivotal to communication in health emergencies. This study presents a methodology for quantitatively and qualitatively identifying special population groups, barriers to information dissemination among these groups, and trusted channels for communication. This approach can strengthen relationships for regional action among local, state and federal agencies; improve effectiveness of regional and local plans and protocols to ensure proper response by agencies; and enhance the capabilities of first responders and healthcare providers with key information for training and exercises. The long-range goal is maximizing, sharing and coordinating resources to reach various population subsets, thereby streamlining health communication and emergency action.

Learning Objectives:

Participants in this session will be able to
• Use presented criteria to “map” the special populations of their region
• Identify these populations’ preferred sources and means of getting information and action-instructions
• Build key partnerships to reach special populations in emergencies

Keywords: Risk Communication, Special Populations

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.