Constructing a Tribal Pandemic Influenza Plan in San Diego County: A Collaborative Effort

Abstract

Background:

With 18 tribes in San Diego county, tribal populations within the land borders had not been included with pandemic planning. Local tribal governments and public health needed to participate in joint pandemic planning efforts.

Methods:

Following a pandemic presentation; tribal representatives, community partners and health department public health nurses formed the Tribal Pandemic Workgroup in 2006 with a goal to produce a template plan for presentation at tribal councils. The workgroup held monthly meetings and mentored each other about tribal population safety. In an open environment, we taught each other about our “systems”, fostered understanding of cultural norms and discussed practical issues, such as security and maintaining utility service. The Tribal Pandemic Workgroup Plan (Plan) was based on the World Health Organization (WHO) Pandemic Stages documents. Each tribe would choose an Emergency Contract and Educator (ECE) to link to public health. The Plan expanded the stage response duties by dividing them into planning, communication and response categories with assignments for the ECE, tribal leadership and all tribal members to optimize preparedness.

Results:

The Plan is a template and meant to be a fluid document for each tribal council to customize. Ongoing evaluation will be conducted.

Conclusions:

The formation of the Plan was a response to needs facing local tribes and the County of San Diego health department around pandemic planning. By sharing planning duties public health and tribal representatives have a greater chance of protecting all populations within the county borders during a pandemic influenza event.