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American Public Health Association
133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition
December 10-14, 2005
Philadelphia, PA
APHA 2005
 
5015.0: Wednesday, December 14, 2005 - Board 5

Abstract #117196

Response to post-disaster health needs through community-based initiatives in Grenada

Peter J. Lee, MPH1, Shunling Tsang, MPH1, Catherine W. Gribbin, MPH1, Lucia C. McLendon, MPH1, and Theresa J. McCann, MPH, PhD2. (1) School of Medicine, St. George's University, PO Box 7, St. George's, Grenada, 473-417-4239, leepe2@sgu.edu, (2) School of Medicine, Department of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, St. George's University, P.O. Box 7, University Centre, St. George's, Grenada

Introduction: Following the devastation of Hurricane Ivan on the island of Grenada, a group of St. George's University faculty, students and community leaders came together in an effort to provide post-disaster relief. This group became officially recognized as the non-governmental organization - Grenada Relief, Recovery and Reconstruction (GR3). GR3 works with integrity to promote partnership and volunteerism to achieve sustainable community development. In an effort to provide evidence to support post-disaster community-based health initiatives within Grenada and the larger Caribbean community, this paper will examine the processes by which GR3 responded to the needs of the underserved.

Methods: An outline of our processes will provide the reader with the rationale behind our decision making for the development and implementation of post-disaster community-based health initiatives. We will also examine outcomes from various projects.

Results: Persuasive arguments will be presented in support of our implementation decisions. The outcomes of our projects will enable us to make recommendations regarding the practical application of our model in other post-disaster Caribbean settings.

Discussion: Recommendations will be made for possible adaptation and application of our experiences in the creation of a non-governmental organizations focused on implementing post-disaster community based health initiatives in other Caribbean states. We will also use evidence from our experiences to strengthen the argument that involving the community in all aspects is essential for creating sustainable long term health initiatives.

Learning Objectives:

Keywords: Disasters, Community-Based Public Health

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.

Health Care in Post-Conflict and Post-Disaster Settings

The 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition (December 10-14, 2005) of APHA