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

Abstract #114535

Lourdes Baezconde-Garbanati, PhD, Institute for Prevention Research, University of Southern California, 1000 S. Fremont, Buiding A1, Alhambra, CA 91803 and Marcela Gaitan, MPH, MA, Center for Science and Policy, National Alliance for Hispanic Health, 1501 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036, (202) 797-4336, mgaitan@hispanichealth.org.

The nation's capabilities in emergency preparedness continue to be challenged by potential threats of disease outbreaks and man-made and natural disasters. Although considerable national and local efforts to improve the emergency preparedness and response systems exist, little attention has been given to ensure that diverse communities are culturally proficient in being informed and prepared in the event of an emergency. The National Alliance for Hispanic Health launched an effort to understand and assess the emergency preparedness needs of Hispanic communities throughout the country. A qualitative survey assessed the organizational capacity and community emergency preparedness needs in the event of a natural or man-made disaster; and determined ways by which community agencies can incorporate their expertise into local emergency preparedness teams and plans for their communities. The survey conducted with 29 member agencies showed that 70% of agencies surveyed stated that they do not have emergency preparedness materials on hand. Among those with emergency preparedness materials, the majority (62.5%) stated that materials were only “somewhat culturally proficient.” Almost 40% found that materials were not culturally proficient. Survey results reflect that these community agencies are ill prepared to face the challenges that vulnerable populations face during a crisis. There is a clear need for culturally proficient and language specific materials and information. The presentation highlights specific means to best improve current preparedness materials and information that are culturally proficient and language appropriate.

Learning Objectives:

• • • Participants of this session will be able to articulate the process to assess the needs and resources available in the area of emergency preparedness at the community level that will best inform and prepare vulnerable communities in the event of an emergency.
  • • Participants of this session will be able to identify ways by which emergency preparedness and response information can be delivered in culturally appropriate and proficient ways to diverse communities.

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.