Abstract
Regional Public Health Emergency Management Project- Pacific Islands: The Model of Global Health Engagement
Carlos Williams, MD, MPH, MBA
Department of Defense, Baltimore, MD
APHA 2016 Annual Meeting & Expo (Oct. 29 - Nov. 2, 2016)
Background: The Pacific Islands Countries and Territories are located in one of the most disaster-prone regions of the world. Many nations have limited to no national emergency response capacity as indicated by the 2012 World Risk Report, which ranks a number of the countries in that region among the top 15 most at-risk countries in the world. Small island nations have unique development and economic challenges and operate under the threat of disasters brought on by climate change and are constantly impacted by ongoing disease outbreaks (Dengue, Zika, MDR-TB). This project was developed during the West African Ebola outbreak, and this region is home to the first large outbreak of the Zika infection in the Federated States of Micronesia (Yap) in 2007.
Methods: The Regional Public Health Emergency Management (RPHEM) project in the Pacific Islands is predicated on the development of a unified strategic implementation plan (USIP) developed through a whole of society approach. The RPHEM project is executed in three sequential phases that ensure engagements build upon, enhance, and integrate with ongoing programs in the region to build public health emergency management capacity. This project was developed with the foundational principles of effective partnerships, country-led engagements, conducting needs assessments, and building capacity sustainably, which are integrated into all components of the project.
Outcomes: Strengthen Pacific islands capacity to respond to public health emergencies through a whole of society approach.
Conclusions: The project facilitates resiliency and aims to meet the national objectives of the host nation, US, and allied partners.
Administer health education strategies, interventions and programs Diversity and culture Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs Social and behavioral sciences Systems thinking models (conceptual and theoretical models), applications related to public health
Abstract
Addressing community resiliency and health equity through a non-emergency CASPER exercise
Jennifer Kiger, MPH1, Michael McClendon2, Umair A. Shah, MD, MPH1 and Martha Marquez, B.S.E3
(1)Harris County Public Health, Houston, TX, (2)Harris County Public Health and Environmental Services, Houston, TX, (3)Harris County Public Health & Environmental Services, Houston, TX
APHA 2016 Annual Meeting & Expo (Oct. 29 - Nov. 2, 2016)
Harris County Public Health and Environmental Services (HCPHES), a large, urban local health department (LHD), conducted the Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response (CASPER) exercises in the non-emergency setting in two different communities. The community differences were in terms of geography, socioeconomic status and demographics. The objectives included assessing the perceived level of emergency preparedness, describing the types of emergency plans residents had in case of an emergency or other disaster, determining focus areas for public health education pertaining to emergency preparedness, and evaluating the level of exposure HCPHES had within the communities. Results between the two communities were assessed individually and compared against each other. The impact of several innovations, including enlisting volunteers from a local HAM radio organization to accompany field teams, an active social media campaign (including a YouTube video), and community outreach prior to the event were also examined. The results from these assessments are being used to determine the current level of community resilience and further identify health inequities. This will assist HCPHES in improving community preparedness and resiliency prior to an actual emergency, as well as refine the process used in future CASPER events. The innovations incorporated into conducting the assessment greatly contributed to being successful. Both CASPER assessments were successful, each with over an 80% completion rate, thus allowing the findings to be generalized to the entire sampled community thus allowing for a better vision of the needs of the entire Harris County community before a public health emergency occurs.
Advocacy for health and health education Communication and informatics Epidemiology Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs Protection of the public in relation to communicable diseases including prevention or control Public health or related research
Abstract
Comparison of Communication Preferences between Homeless and Non-homeless Veterans during Disasters
Alicia Gable, MPH1, Claudia Der-Martirosian, PhD2, Henry Anaya, PhD3 and Aram Dobalian, PhD, JD, MPH2
(1)Veterans Emergency Management Evaluation Center, North Hills, CA, (2)U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, North Hills, CA, (3)US Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA
APHA 2016 Annual Meeting & Expo (Oct. 29 - Nov. 2, 2016)
Background: Natural disasters can lead to the temporary or permanent closure of medical facilities. Currently, VA has no centralized disaster preparedness communication plan to notify Veterans of facility closures. Furthermore, it is unknown whether disaster-related communication preferences differ across subgroups of VA patients. In this study, we compare the communication preferences of homeless and non-homeless VA patients.
Methods: We conducted a representative survey of non-homeless and homeless VA patients in the Northeast U.S. regarding their preferences for communication modalities from VA during disasters. The sequential mixed-modal survey, which was fielded August-November 2015, included 37 questions about: sociodemographic; health status, healthcare access, experience with natural disasters, and use and preferences of communication methods during disasters.
Results: A total of 2,264 (non-homeless) and 383 (homeless) respondents completed the survey (overall RR: 33% simple; 40% adjusted). Strong differences were found between communication preferences between the two groups. More homeless than non-homeless reported TV (42% v. 29%, ≤.001), radio (54% v. 47%, ≤.001) and texts (61% v. 53%, ≤.001) to be extremely/very helpful. Despite these differences, the same top five communication modes (telephone, TV, radio, email, text) apply to both groups. While not all Veterans have each of these communication sources, the majority have at least one and indicated that multiple modes of communication would be helpful.
Conclusions: During disasters, VA should use a simultaneous multi-modal communication strategy to reach both non-homeless and homeless VA patient subgroups. However, differences in access to devices or usage frequency may impact the timeliness of information receipt.
Communication and informatics Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs Provision of health care to the public Public health administration or related administration Public health or related research
Abstract
Effect of Community-Wide Great ShakeOut Drills on Individuals and Households
Hannah Montgomery1, Javon Harvey1, Chad Ngo1, Victoria vanTwist1, Mark Benthien2 and Michele M. Wood, PhD1
(1)California State University, Fullerton, Fullerton, CA, (2)University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
APHA 2016 Annual Meeting & Expo (Oct. 29 - Nov. 2, 2016)
background: Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills are designed to promote self-protective actions during, and motivate preparedness actions before, earthquakes occur. The objective of this study was to explore ways in which Great ShakeOut drills impact individuals/households. method: An anonymous online survey of individuals/household drill registrants (N=587) was conducted, including 19 different preparedness actions taken specifically because of the ShakeOut, and not for other reasons. results: Respondents indicated they planned to continue participating in the future (84%), and agreed/strongly agreed that the ShakeOut website was easy to navigate (78%) and that they would recommend the drill to family/friends (86%), suggesting high client satisfaction. The majority reported they had practiced “drop, cover, hold on” during the drill (86%), indicating high program fidelity with the key drill objective. Of the 19 outcomes, participants reported learning how to stay safe during an earthquake (42%) as the most frequent action specifically due to the ShakeOut, followed by having home drills (29%) and completing/updating a disaster plan (28%). Learning how to stay safe during an earthquake (X2(6)=44.74, p<.001) and completing/updating a family/household disaster plan (X2(6)=39.64, p<.001) were associated with future plans to participate. Qualitative data indicated the drill helped identify barriers to safety/preparedness and that future ShakeOuts should include better sound effects for use during drills, more support/coordination, improved communication, and earlier advertising/promotion. conclusions: Findings suggest that Great ShakeOut Drills have high client satisfaction and may help motivate individuals and households to increase protective action skills and preparedness actions. Future research should use a representative community sample.
Environmental health sciences Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs Protection of the public in relation to communicable diseases including prevention or control Public health or related research
Abstract
Faculty Perceptions of Preparedness in an Active Shooter Situation on a University Campus
Kaitlin O'Keefe, Ph.D., M.P.H. and Stephanie Benjamin, Ph.D., M.P.H.
California State University, Northridge, Northridge, CA
APHA 2016 Annual Meeting & Expo (Oct. 29 - Nov. 2, 2016)
Background:
Shootings have become a common topic when discussing emergency preparedness on university campuses. Few studies exist directly examining faculty members' perceived preparedness in the event of an active shooter situation. Faculty have the potential to play a valuable role in campus safety during the initial stages of a crisis, however faculty may feel unprepared. This study will examine faculty perceptions' on how equipped they feel taking the proper course of action in the event of a shooter on campus.
Methods:
Questionnaires will be distributed electronically to a sample of faculty members on a large, public university campus in Spring 2016. Data collected will include faculty perceptions of their own preparedness for an active shooter on campus, training in appropriate response, and demographic characteristics of study participants.
Results:
Faculty members' perceptions of their level of preparedness in an active shooter situation on campus will be described. Disparities in perceived levels of preparedness among different demographic and occupation-related groups, including gender, race/ethnicity, and part-time/full-time status will also be explored. Prior training received, as well as faculty opinions on deficiencies in training opportunities will also be described. All analyses will be completed during Summer 2016.
Conclusion:
Results of this study will provide valuable insight into faculty members' opinions on their own preparedness in the event of an active shooter on campus. The findings from this study can be used to address faculty concerns, target identified deficiencies, and develop successful efforts to increase campus safety through improvements in faculty preparedness.
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs Public health or related organizational policy, standards, or other guidelines Public health or related research
Abstract
Liberia National Disaster Preparedness Coordination Exercise: Implementing Lessons Learned from the West African Disaster Preparedness Initiative
Paul Reed, MD1, Melinda Hamer, MD, MPH2, Jane Greulich, MPH1 and Charles Beadling, MD, MPH1
(1)Center for Disaster and Humanitarian Assistance Medicine, Rockville, MD, (2)Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
APHA 2016 Annual Meeting & Expo (Oct. 29 - Nov. 2, 2016)
Background: In light of the recent Ebola outbreak, there is a critical need for effective disaster management systems in Liberia and other West African nations. To this end, the West African Disaster Preparedness Initiative (WADPI) held a disaster management exercise in conjunction with the Liberian national government on November 24-25, 2015.
Methods: During this table top exercise (TTX), interactions within and between the 15 counties and the Liberian national government were conducted and observed to refine and validate the county and national SOPs and their ability to function together. The exercise took place in 3 regional locations throughout Liberia. The TTX format allowed counties to collaborate utilizing open source software platforms including Ushahidi, Sahana, QGIS, and KoBoCollect. A qualitative survey with open-ended questions was administered to exercise participants to determine needed improvements in the disaster management system in Liberia.
Results: 467 individuals (representing all 15 counties of Liberia) identified as key actors involved with emergency operations and disaster preparedness participated in the exercise. Key findings from the exercise and survey include the need for emergency management infrastructure to extend to the community level, establishment of a national emergency management agency and emergency operations center, customized local SOPs, ongoing surveillance, a disaster exercise program, and the need for effective data sharing and hazard maps.
Conclusions: These regional exercises initiated the process of validating and refining Liberia's national and county-level Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Liberia's participation in this exercise has provided a foundation for advancing its preparedness, response and recovery capacities.
Administration, management, leadership Public health administration or related administration Public health or related laws, regulations, standards, or guidelines Public health or related organizational policy, standards, or other guidelines Public health or related public policy
Abstract
Fusing public health and homeland security data to enhance emergency preparedness activities
Heather Brown, MPH
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Washington, DC
APHA 2016 Annual Meeting & Expo (Oct. 29 - Nov. 2, 2016)
background: U.S. Department of Homeland Security Office of Health Affairs supports the integration of public health and healthcare professionals into fusion center information sharing processes. Fusion centers receive, analyze, disseminate, and gather threat-related information, in coordination with law enforcement and multidisciplinary partners to identify emerging threats from an all-crimes and all-hazards approach.
methods: DHS has developed guidance and resources to support fusion center and public health information sharing and coordination efforts. Through a technical assistance program, DHS facilitates discussions between fusion centers and local public health departments to identify potential collaboration activities and overcome challenges to information sharing.
results: Several states across the country have successfully begun to fuse information from public health and law enforcement partners to understand trends in their communities and are using this analysis to inform policy and decision making on preparedness activities.
conclusions: Public health professionals can utilize law enforcement information and intelligence through partnerships with fusion centers to enhance their situational awareness and understanding of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear (CBRN) and health threats, increasing their ability to prepare and respond to emerging threats.
Other professions or practice related to public health Program planning Protection of the public in relation to communicable diseases including prevention or control
Abstract
Spread of Disease Following Earthquakes and its Impact on Children
Priyanka Vachhani1, Kara Luthi2, Delight Mungoma3 and Roupen Guedikian4
(1)University of Southern California, Portland, OR, (2)University of Southern California, Alhambra, CA, (3)University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, (4)University of Southern California, Porter Ranch, CA
APHA 2016 Annual Meeting & Expo (Oct. 29 - Nov. 2, 2016)
Spread of pediatric infectious diseases after earthquakes was analyzed. Recommendations are provided to adapt disease management and emergency response activities to enhance outcomes in future responses.
Peer-reviewed publications were analyzed to examine which diseases children were most vulnerable to after earthquakes. Further analysis was then performed to examine how to minimize spread of disease and which strategies show most promise.
Despite massive losses and rise in the incidence of infectious diarrhea and tuberculosis following the 2008 Sichuan earthquake, the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention established a mobile phone emergency reporting system that minimized spread.
The 2011 Tohoku earthquake did not present epidemics, but rather small outbreaks of pneumonia, gastroenteritis, and genitourinary diseases. A non-indigenous outbreak of measles highlighted the importance of screening foreign volunteers.
The spread of diseases such as leptospirosis immediately followed the 2010 Haiti earthquake; a cholera epidemic killed 3,333 people within 3 months. With the Haitian government, UNICEF, Save The Children, and other NGOs played integral roles in resolving the outbreak.
The 2005 Kashmir earthquake and the 2015 Nepal earthquake echoed similar themes with leptospirosis rampant in Pakistan in addition to respiratory and diarrheal diseases. These quakes illustrated the impact of location on the aftermath; it impacted the humanitarian response and consequent spread of disease.
Respiratory and diarrheal diseases predominantly affected children following earthquakes. These data show mobile technologies coupled with better water and sanitation practices have lifesaving potential following earthquakes. Expanding on mentioned pilot programs can minimize epidemics in future emergency situations.
Basic medical science applied in public health Epidemiology Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs Program planning Protection of the public in relation to communicable diseases including prevention or control
Abstract
Coping with donations: Studying the experience of NGOs and community leaders organizing aid after a natural disaster
Paula Repetto, PhD and Andrea Vasquez, MA
P. Universidad Católica de Chile/CIGIDEN, santiago, Chile
APHA 2016 Annual Meeting & Expo (Oct. 29 - Nov. 2, 2016)
Behavioral convergence, defined as the "movement or inclination and approach toward a particular point" (Fritz & Mathewson, 1957, p. 3) and when they refer to disaster, they emphasize "the notion of movement toward the disaster-struck area from the outside--external convergence-and movement toward specific points within a given disaster-related area or zone-internal convergence" (Fritz & Mathewson, 1957, p. 3). They argue that the movement of people towards the disaster site is more common than avoiding the site and is very likely to occur (23). Fritz and Mathewson (23) describe three types of convergence, (1) personal (persons) (2) informational (messages) and (3) material (donations and supplies). As has been reported in several studies, most donations are non-priority items that will probably not be used and have to be stored and/or disposed. This is an important challenge for the organizations that deliver aid after a disaster, both non-emergent and emergent. We study three organizations that organized the delivery of aid after two disasters in Chile (Valparaíso wildfire and floods in Atacama) and their process to define needs of affected and delivered the aid. We also studied how they dealt with untrained volunteers and non-priority items. The findings from the study suggest how to better deal with convergence but also provides insights about victims needs and how these change overtime.
Administration, management, leadership Other professions or practice related to public health Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs Social and behavioral sciences
Abstract
Alternative Medical Counter Measure Points of Dispensing to Protect our most Vulnerable Residents in the District of Columbia
Peggy Keller, MPH, CPM1, Nick Kushner, MPIA, MURP2 and T Oliver Hubbard3
(1)District of Columbia Department of Health, Washington, DC, (2)District of Columbia Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services, Washington, DC, (3)DC Department of Health, Washington, DC
APHA 2016 Annual Meeting & Expo (Oct. 29 - Nov. 2, 2016)
Background
DC Deputy Mayor for Health & Human Service, DOH protect the public health, safety of residents, visitors, including unique challenges of older adults, those with access and functional needs (AFN) through an all hazards preparedness response approach to mitigate public health, healthcare impacts. DOH may dispense critical Medical Counter Measures (MCM) to save lives.
Older adults, AFN are particularly vulnerable during emergencies. Reporting to public MCM Point of Dispensing (PODs) presents numerous challenges.
Purpose & Objectives
DMHHS, DOH seek to increase the ability of older adults, AFN to receive life-saving MCM by taking a proactive planning approach, including data compilation, robust communications, key technologies, partnerships and evaluation.
Methods
DMHH, DOH partnered with senior villages, faith based communities, community and healthcare organizations to develop strategies to establish modified PODs as alternative modalities for older adults, AFN, those in congregate care, homebound to reduce negative impact on the public health and healthcare system.
Measurable Objectives
Senior villages, faith –based communities, community, healthcare organization partners identified, data compiled, communications, POD modification plan completed, POD training program developed, older adults, AFN needs trained.
Results
DMHHS, DOH staff identified, established alternative MCM dispensing sites for those most at risk of severe, negative health impacts during emergencies. Increased ability of older adults, AFN to receive MCM, reduced stress on health care system.
Outcomes
Alternative PODs were established for older adults, AFN to protect our most vulnerable residents.
Conclusions
DC addresses needs of older adults, AFN to reduce risks of negative health impacts during emergencies.
Administration, management, leadership Protection of the public in relation to communicable diseases including prevention or control Provision of health care to the public