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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Witold Migala, PhD, MPH¹, Hilda Zuniga¹, Shane Mathew, MPH¹, and Michael J. Kazda, MA². (1) Public Health Department, City of Fort Worth, 1800 University Drive, Suite 217, Fort Worth, TX 76107, 817-871-6209, witold.migala@fortworthgov.org, (2) Public Health Department/Epidemiology, City of Fort Worth, 1800 University Drive, Room 218, Fort Worth, TX 76107

The general public is the most critical component in the success or failure of any public health initiative. This holds true for emergency response plans, especially those for bioterrorism. However, the contemporary emergency response model has prioritized first response capabilities to the exclusion of the general public. Historically, public health initiatives have required consistent if not constant messaging specifically to the public to ensure long-term success. The educational aspect of emergency planning has been relegated to a secondary role despite repeated evidence that the public will have to mobilize a response independent of traditional first responders in the event of a major emergency. Epidemiological methods have been used to quantify the level of preparedness within a large metropolitan area and specifically identify disparities and educational requirements. As a result, numerous educational programs have been designed to mobilize the general public's cognizance and capacity to respond in the event of a major emergency. Research indicates that pre-event education and integration of the citizenry into response planning increases cooperation and facilitates coordination of activities. Educational initiatives are supplemented by efforts to incorporate the citizenry into the emergency response model and develop neighborhood-based dispensing and other emergency response activities. The ensuing educational interventions have helped reduce some of the disproportionate levels of preparedness in the local population. Although over 65% of the city's households have been exposed to emergency preparedness education, epidemiological assessment activities indicate that less than a third of households have engaged in behavior indicative of a minimal level of preparedness.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• List five educational interventions that will heighten the community's capability to participate effectively in an emergency response.
• Identify historical precedents that indicate the necessity for including the general public in emergency planning.
• Recognize the diminished likelihood for success of emergency plans without the cognizance and participation of the general public.
• Develop pre-event educational programs and construct community-based responses for most major emergencies including acts of terrorism.
• Articulate mechanisms for the accurate analysis, assessment and evaluation of emergency preparedness programs

Keywords: Bioterrorism, Community Education

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No