Disaster response for vulnerable populations: College-based training and response model

Background/Purpose: Vulnerable populations who are affected by disasters are at a greater risk of experiencing poor health outcomes due to the lack of adequate personal resources. Therefore we will discuss a conceptual model that integrates over 1,700 U.S. two and four-year public university campuses into the National Disaster Plan. The plan proposes the utilization of these campuses to be used as areas of refuge for vulnerable populations as well as incident command centers based on their available resources already in place to support the transient student populations. Methods: Our plan describes how the Disaster Response for Vulnerable Populations: College-based Training and Response Model will compliment the National disaster plan at a local level by training faculty, staff and students at the two and four-year institutions. The college-based emergency responders will be responsible for providing services relevant to their existing areas of research, training and expertise (i.e., nursing, pharmacology, psychology, sociology, etc.). Outcomes: The main goal of this program is to provide a triage location to reduce the number of individuals who would otherwise present at emergency departments not needing emergent care. Instead, the community will be directed to the campuses to receive first aid, shelter and food. Additionally, the psychosocial issues and other supportive needs (prescription medications) will be addressed as needed. Conclusions: We conclude that implementation of this system will reduce vulnerable populations existence issues which ultimately manifest as poor health outcomes based on limited resources that affect their ability to seek temporary shelter, food, and other essentials.