Using integrated public health methods to identify and effectively provide all-hazards preparedness education to underserved and high risk populations

The Fort Worth Public Health Department (FWPHD) received a grant from the National Organization of City and County Health Officials (NACCHO) to pilot a program integrating public health all-hazards preparedness and public health. The FWPHD used data collected from a massive community needs assessment conducted by the department's Epidemiology and Assessment Division to identify non-English speaking Hispanics concentrated in a specific area of the city as having little or no exposure to emergency preparedness education and no knowledge of where to find information. Cross-tabulation of this population also indicated that they were uninformed and underserved regarding a wide variety of health and social services. A multidisciplinary stakeholders focus group was organized representing 43 organizations, including health and social service organizations, financial institutions, primary care facilities, immigration assistance centers, and outreach programs in the local area. Pursuant to this meeting, a questionnaire was developed to query the local target population about their level of emergency preparedness, health priorities and needed services. Extensive organization of participating agencies and local, mostly non-English speaking, community members by the CFWPHD Outreach Division was pursued to introduce the program to the community. A community luncheon was held to inaugurate the program which allowed community members direct access to the various participating agencies and organizations while also promoting an exchange of information between service providers. A follow-up survey of participants indicated a significant impact on the participants in accessing information about emergency preparedness and other needed health and social services.