195524 Making up for history: Advancing programs and policies to integrate culturally diverse communities into public health emergency preparedness through public-private sector initiatives

Monday, November 9, 2009: 3:30 PM

Dennis Paul Andrulis, PhD, MPH , Director, Center for Health Equality Associate Dean of Research, Drexel University School of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA
Nadia J. Siddiqui, MPH , Center for Health Equality, School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA
Jonathan Purtle, MPH, MSc , Department of Health Management & Policy, Drexel University School of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA
  
Extensive evidence has documented a legacy of neglect in meeting the needs of culturally diverse communities during public health emergencies. Historic fragmentation among public/private sector agencies has contributed to these disparities by thwarting consensus on addressing needs and on working collaboratively with diverse communities through effective policy and service strategies.

We received support from USDHHS Office of Minority Health to convene a panel of experts representing federal, state, local and community-based agencies and organizations to develop consensus and provide specific program/policy directions for effectively integrating diverse communities into PHEP. The panel developed a National Consensus Statement and guiding principles to offer cohesive guidance on: identifying needs of diverse communities in emergencies; engaging communities; establishing and sustaining trust; promoting intersectoral collaboration; developing drills and exercises; tailoring risk communication; and other priorities.

This presentation will discuss the Panel's conclusions and recommendations as well as highlight their ongoing work which includes developing practical strategies for operationalizing guidance. Examples of strategies that will be discussed include: identifying relevant data on diverse communities; using GIS technology to assess assets and needs of communities; formalizing community advisory bodies; and working with community representatives to tailor risk communication and other PHEP activities. In addition, panel conclusions and recommendations, integrated with analysis of peer-review and other research/programs, have generated a comprehensive body of knowledge on promising practices for community engagement,, interagency collaboration, flexible allocation of funds to sustain partnerships with CBOs, and working with ethnic media to reach culturally isolated communities. These practices will also be presented.

Learning Objectives:
•Explain the central role that communities must play in preparedness planning, implementation, and evaluation for diverse populations •Identify specific actions for engaging culturally diverse communities across the spectrum on emergency preparedness activities •Describe strategies for interagency and intersectoral coordination in designing and implementing policies and programs to meet the needs of diverse populations

Keywords: Disasters, Public/Private Partnerships

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am the project director and have published in peer reviewed journals and presented extensively on the topic of public health preparedness and cultural diversity. I have also overseen projects, prepared major reports and published on issues affecting urban communities, the uninsured, and other vulnerable populations.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

See more of: Emergency Preparedness and Community Readiness
See more of: Community Health Planning and Policy Development