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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Joanna Weinberg¹, Marie Christine Yue, BA¹, Norman Fineman, PhD¹, Jerry Street, REHS, MPA², and Holly Garcia². (1) Institute for Health & Aging/Integrating Medicine and Public Health Program, UC San Francisco, Box 0646 Laurel Heights, Suite 340, San Francisco, CA 94118, 510-207-2997, joanna.weinberg@ucsf.edu, (2) Public Health Bioterroism and Response, 275 Beck Avenue, 2nd Floor MS 5-240, Fairfield, CA 94533

This paper present the results of a community assessment to identify the potential barriers to the ability of individuals and groups with special needs to receive essential services in the event of an emergency, disaster or terrorist activity. This included identification of the populations, and the ability of local governments to respond to these needs, concerns and barriers. Findings documented the need for clarification of local government roles and obligations to incorporate special needs populations in the design, planning and execution of services. A major theme involves the ethical dilemma of balancing the rights of individuals with special needs and the obligation of local governments to protect the community. Recommendations include: (1) organization of community-based forums where special needs communities can meet with public officials to develop appropriate services; and (2) Consideration of whether local services for individuals with special needs fulfill ethical and legal mandates.

Learning Objectives: Following the session, attendees will be able to

• Understand barriers to the ability of local governments to respond appropriately to individuals and groups with special needs in the event of a large-scale disaster, bioterror attack or pandemic;
• Recognize special needs populations, and understand the definition of “special needs” with respect to specific emergency situations;
• Understand the inherent conflict in disaster situations between the rights of individuals with special needs and the government's obligations to protect the public;
• Understand the ethical conflicts facing local governments in designing mechanisms to serve special needs individuals in an emergency.

Keywords: Bioterrorism, Cultural Competency

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation