Welcome to the National Resource Center on Advancing Emergency Preparedness for Culturally Diverse Communities, developed by the Drexel University School of Public Health’s Center for Health Equality, with support from the HHS Office of Minority Health.
Breaking News: The 7.0 magnitude earthquake which struck just outside Port au Prince, Haiti on January 12, 2010 has caused death and destruction of catastrophic proportions. The humanitarian crisis has set international aid organizations into action and mobilized the first wave of international relief workers. While the critical need for immediate disaster relief is without question, the complex nature of the emergency is likely to raise formidable cross-cultural challenges for international relief workers who are not familiar with the local language, customs, social structures, and communication systems. Below is a list a resources to assist disaster relief workers and international aid organizations in meeting these challenges—such as effectively working with lay translators and providing culturally competent mental health services.
This preliminary list of resources focuses on disaster response. We will continue to provide additional information as the recovery process progresses.
Want to help? Below is a concise list of prominent disaster relief organizations:
Demographic, Socioeconomic, and Cultural Information
- CIA World Factbook:Haiti
- U.S. Department of State: Haiti
Translated Materials and Guidance:
Toolkits, Online Training, and Guides:
Peer-Reviewed Articles:
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H1N1 Update: With supplies of the H1N1 vaccine increasing across the country, health officials,such as Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, are encouraging individuals to get vaccinated—especially priority groups such as pregnant women and people under the age of 24. Flu.gov has created an interactive Flu Shot Locator with the latest information on where the vaccine is available. To address public concerns regarding the safety of the H1N1 vaccine, the CDC has developed Vaccination Fact Sheets in a wide variety of languages. An H1N1 Self-Evaluation tool has also been developed which is a available in both English and Spanish. For more information on H1N1 CLICK HERE.
Topic of the Month: Online Disaster Education and Cultural Competence
Efforts to integrate the principles of cultural competence into emergency preparedness and response plans have gained momentum in recent years. While training and education are key to improving cultural competence, the economic recession has prompted cuts to the budgets of public health and emergency management agencies across the country—limiting opportunities for on-sight training and education.
CLICK HERE for a list of free online courses and training modules on cultural competence and related topics, many of which offer continuing education credits.
Call for Voices from the Field!
One of the key functions of the National Resource Center is to serve as an exchange portal for information. We would like to extend an invitation to community leaders, public health officials, emergency planners and managers, first responders, and others to share stories from the field. These may highlight best practices, success stories, or lessons learned from your experiences working with racially and ethnically diverse communities across all phases of an emergency. To submit a story from the field CLICK HERE.