Status of collaboration between local health departments and school systems for emergency preparedness and response: School district perspective

Background: Public health efforts function optimally when existing systems work together to protect and promote the health and safety of populations. This project was designed to describe existing collaborations between local health departments (LHDs) and school systems within communities, focusing on school districts' reflections of these efforts. Methods: Questionnaires regarding collaborative efforts in emergency preparedness and response were distributed electronically to a stratified random sample of 750 LHDs, school districts and schools across the country. Data from school district questionnaires on the perceived importance and components of collaboration with and assistance received by LHDs are presented. Opinions on importance of collaboration and preparedness levels were asked on a scale ranging from 1 (Not at all) to 5 (Extremely). Results: School districts rated engagement with LHDs in emergency preparedness and response as extremely important (mean=4.5/SD=0.76). LHD assistance was rated as highly important in emergency/disaster plans (mean=4.37, SD=0.83), emergency equipment/supplies (mean=4.35, SD=0.81), emergency response training (mean=4.34/SD=0.81) and emergency drills/exercises. However, only 46.0% reported actual assistance given in plans, 31% in equipment/supplies, 48.3% in response/ training, and 39.3% in drills/exercises. School districts gave an average preparedness rating of 4.2 (SD=0.67) for LHDs, 4.01 (SD=0.73) for school districts and 3.89 (SD=0.76) for schools. Conclusions: The importance of collaboration and assistance are clearly recognized by school districts, although current levels of assistance provided were reportedly low in all areas. These results convey that while the importance of collaboration is evidently acknowledged, the scope and efficiency of current efforts among community organizations can be improved.