Archived Initiatives

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Launches Snap Shots of State Population Data

(SNAPS) to Assist in Emergency Preparedness Planning
The CDC has recently launched SNAPS to provide local-level community profiles consisting of key variables for developing and tailoring health education and risk communication efforts to ensure that diverse audiences receive critical public health messages that are accessible, understandable, and timely. Data is provided on variables such as race/ethnicity and primary language spoken at home. To access the SNAPS data CLICK HERE.

National Consensus Statement and Guiding Principles on Emergency Preparedness and Cultural Diversity

On June 11, 2008 the National Consensus Panel on Emergency Preparedness and Cultural Diversity issued the nation’s first blueprint for integrating racially and ethnically diverse communities into emergency preparedness. An initiative of the Drexel University School of Public Health’s Center for Health Equality and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Minority Health, the National Consensus Panel is comprised of a unique and leading group of national, state and local organizations who came together for the first time to define a unified set of priorities for preparing and responding to culturally diverse communities in public health emergencies. For further background information on the National Consensus Panel and Statement CLICK HERE. To view the National Consensus Statement, Guiding Principles, Panel Member List and Press Release, please click on the links below:

National Consensus Statement | Guiding Principles | Panel Members | Press Release

University of Washington Researchers to Lead Two Projects Exploring Communications with Vulnerable Populations in Emergencies

The Preparedness and Emergency Response Research Center at the Northwest for Public Health Preparedness was recently two grants from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to examine the most effective way to communicate with vulnerable populations in an emergency.One study will focus on improving 911 and public health center interactions with non-English speaking callers while another will work towards improving emergency health alerts between public health and health care providers. For more information about the projects CLICK HERE.

Promising Practices for Pandemic Planning: Breaking Language Barriers with Preparedness Messages

This brief article by the Center for Infectious Disease Research & Policy (CIDRAP) at the University of Minnesota highlights the efforts of Emergency and Community Health Outreach Minnesota (ECHO) to effectively reach populations with limited English proficiency in a public health emergency. ECHO has forged a partnership with Minnesota’s public television system to provide informative 20 minute programs in languages which reflect the region's cultural landscape. To view this best practices article in its entirety CLICK HERE.

Vulnerable Population Action Team: Request for Proposals

National Consensus Panel on Emergency Preparedness and Cultural Diversity
September 10-11, 2007, Washington, D.C.

Archived Events & Training

The Third National Emergency Management Summit

March 4-6, 2009
Washington, D.C.
The National Emergency Management Summit seeks to assess risks surrounding natural disasters, epidemics and terrorism in the United States and articulate practical approaches to strategies for planning, response and recovery.  The objectives of the summit are to assess our readiness for disasters and pandemics, foster best practices through the presentation of successful case studies in the field, and explore difficult legal and ethnical issues that arise in emergency situations. For more information CLICK HERE.

The Third National Leadership Summit on Eliminating Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health

February 25- 27, 2009
Washington, D.C.
As part of the Office of Minority Health’s broad initiative to eliminate racial and ethnic health disparities, the 2009 Summit will focus on four tasks:   1) to build a renewed sense of leadership and partnerships across communities, 2) to share success stories and methods, 3) to demonstrate how model programs can be replicated or tailored for greater impact, and 4) to create methods, tactics, and ideas that support more effective and efficient action.  The Summit will achieve these goals by providing workshops, plenary sessions, and special events centered around increasing awareness of health disparities, strengthening leadership, enhancing patient-provider communication, improving cultural competency in delivering health services, and coordinating and utilizing research and outcome evolutions. For more information CLICK HERE.

The Fourth Annual Public Health Preparedness Summit

New Orleans’s Recovery: Review and Outlook Three and One-Half Years After Hurricane Katrina

February 4, 2009, 12:15-1:45 PM
Washington, DC
The Kaiser Family Foundation has organized this briefing and panel discussion on the status of recovery efforts in New Orleans three and one-half years after Hurricane Katrina. Panelists included filmmaker June Cross, Kaiser Family Foundation Executive Vice President Diane Rowland, former member of the Louisiana Recovery Authority Kim Boyle, and former The Times-Picayune Editor Jed Horne. For more information and to RSVP CLICK HERE. 

Satellite Broadcast: Mass Antibiotic Dispensing- Partnering with Tribal Governments and Communities

January 29, 2009
1:00-2:30 PM
The capacity to reach every person in the community is the goal of any mass antibiotic dispensing campaign. In particular, planning for dispensing to American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations presents unique challenges for public health professionals, tribal leaders, and tribal health providers.  This broadcast will assist state and local Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) planners in determining how to effectively engage their neighboring tribal governments and communities.  Program objectives include defining challenges to reaching tribal populations, determining preferred channels of communication, and describing two methods for providing training to the community.  For additional information and registration details CLICK HERE.

Partnerships in Emergency Preparedness: A Faith-Based Community Initiatives Workshop

July 2008- January 2009  
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as organized a number of workshops across the county to engage Homeland Security stakeholders from the private sector, governmental agencies, and non-profit groups, such as non-governmental organizations and faith-based groups, in a strategic partnership to develop a national culture of preparedness. The workshops will highlight the role of grassroots faith-based and community-based organizations in emergency management and preparedness. For the workshop agenda and information on the dates and locations of upcoming workshops CLICK HERE. 

Satellite Broadcast: Mass Antibiotic Dispensing- Partnering with Tribal Governments and Communities

December 4, 2008
1:00- 2:30 PM ET

The capacity to reach every person in the community is the goal of any mass antibiotic dispensing campaign. In particular, planning for dispensing to American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations presents unique challenges for public health professionals, tribal leaders, and tribal health providers.  This broadcast will assist state and local Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) planners in determining how to effectively engage their neighboring tribal governments and communities.  Program objectives include defining challenges to reaching tribal populations, determining preferred channels of communication, and describing two methods for providing training to the community.  For additional information and registration details CLICK HERE.

The Great Southern California Shake Out

November 13, 2008

With over 4.2 million participants, The Great South California Shake Out was the largest earthquake drill to date. The exercise integrated individuals, neighborhood groups, schools, businesses, community and faith-based organizations, as well as participants from other domains to practice earthquake response scenarios. Information about the event is available in multiple languages. To learn more CLICK HERE. 

 COCA Conference Call: Mental Health in Disasters and Other Crises

November 18, 2008
1:00-2:00 PM ET

New Online Toolkit: Emergency Preparedness Planning Toolkit for Diverse Populations

This online toolkit produced by the Yale Center for Public Health Preparedness provides resources to public health planners and individuals from other sectors involved in preparedness efforts targeting diverse populations including those with limited English proficiency. These resources aim to improve outcomes for diverse populations during a public health emergency by focusing on planning considerations. In addition to planning resources, the toolkit a natural disaster-based HSEEP compliant tabletop exercises that users can customize to meet their needs.  To download the toolkit or access the materials online CLICK HERE.

New Online Training Module: Case Studies in Culture and Health Literacy

This online training module presented by the University of Minnesota School of Public Health describes three local efforts to close the health literacy gap in Minnesota, including that of ECHO Minnesota which focuses on emergency preparedness in culturally diverse communities. The importance of engaging culturally diverse communities in the planning stage is emphasized as is the need to identify sources of information which are trusted in the local community. The interactive training module can be accessed free of charge but registration is required. To learn more about the module and begin the registration process CLICK HERE.  

New Webcast Available: Addressing At-Risk Populations in Emergency Preparedness Planning

This webcast, presented by the SUNY Albany Center for Public Health Preparedness, is led by Advanced Practice Center Program Managers from Montgomery County, Maryland and King County, Seattle, along with the Chief Program Officer for Public Health Practice for the Association of State & Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO). Lessons learned and best practices for reaching vulnerable populations in a public health emergency are discussed as are key findings from the ASTHO-led At-Risk Population Engagement Meetings. To access the webcast CLICK HERE.

Second Convening: National Consensus Panel on Emergency Preparedness and Cultural Diversity

October 16-17, 2008, Los Angeles, CA
A panel of over 35 experts representing health care, emergency preparedness, risk communication, racial/ethnic communities, and cultural competence at national, state and local government, for-profit and not-for-profit organizations convened for the second time to: (1) develop sector-specific recommendations on effectively incorporating the needs of racially and ethnically diverse communities across the full continuum of emergency preparedness; and (2) provide guidance as to what consists of promising and best practices for reaching and responding to these communities.  A formalized statement based on the panel’s recommendations is currently being developed.

AGENDA     DAY 1 PRESENTATION     DAY 2 PRESENTATION

Sixth National Conference on Quality Health Care for Culturally Diverse Populations, Minneapolis, MN

September 21-24, 2008
This conference, which has been held biennially since 1998, is one of the most respected and well-supported conferences on cultural competence and health disparities reduction in the United States. Co-produced by the Drexel University Center for Health Equality, Resources for Cross Cultural Health Care, and the USDHHS Office of Minority Health, this meeting attracts over 600 attendees from North America and around the world. It features over 150 presentations during pre-conference intensive training sessions, plenary panels, roundtable sessions, concurrent workshops, a film festival and a resource center with exhibits and poster presentations.  www.DiversityRxConference.org.

CERC- Basic and Pandemic Influenza Training Courses for Public Health Communicators Serving Latino Communities. Houston, Texas.

Federal Coordinator for Gulf Coast Rebuilding Keynote Speaker at Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana Quarterly Luncheon

July 23, 2008

General Doug O'Dell, federal coordinator for Gulf Coast Rebuilding, today spoke at the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana quarterly luncheon where he discussed federal efforts to improve levees, help rebuild housing, improve criminal justice, and expand work force development. O'Dell also thanked the Hispanic community for their continued contributions to the region's recovery. The Hispanic population of the New Orleans has increased an estimated 40% since Hurricane Katrina. To access the full press release CLICK HERE.

New Online Course: Risk Communication for Special Populations

Webinar: When Minutes Matter- Lessons Learned Featuring Former FEMA Director Michael Brown

Thursday June 19, 2008 10:00 AM- 11:00 AM PDT

Books have been written, and hearings held—everyone has an opinion on the Hurricane Katrina crisis. Hear Michael Brown speak firsthand in this webinar about the meetings behind closed doors, emergency preparedness, making things work in a disaster, and technology's impact on business continuity. CLICK HERE to register for this webinar free of charge.

Partners in Emergency Preparedness Conference: Greater Tacoma Convention Center, Tacoma, WA

April 1-2, 2008

The Partners in Emergency Preparedness Conference is the largest and most successful regional emergency preparedness conference in the Pacific Northwest. Partners in Emergency Preparedness annually hosts over 500 people representing business, schools, government, the nonprofit sector, emergency management professionals, and volunteer organizations. Session topics include vulnerable populations, crisis communication, natural hazard, first responders, and many more. http://capps.wsu.edu/conferences/emergencyprep/

Community Preparedness: Addressing the Needs of Diverse and Vulnerable Populations Conference. Yale Center for Public Health Preparedness, New Haven, CT

April 17-18, 2008.

This conference is aimed at providing "supportive information and exemplary methods of emergency response for state and local planners in an effort to reach all community members in an emergency." Topics that will be discussed during this conference include: risk communication; health literacy; ethical principles of emergency management for diverse populations; use of geospatial mapping systems in emergencies; diverse populations database creation and management; emergency sheltering; and emergency preparedness for inner city dwellers, people with disabilities and youth. http://publichealth.yale.edu/ycphp/conference.html 

Archived Publications

Terrorism-Related Fear and Avoidance Behavior in a Multiethnic Urban Population This study, led by Dr. David Eisenman and colleagues, sought to assess the perceived risk of terrorism and avoidance behavior among vulnerable populations, including racial and ethnic minorities, in Los Angeles County. Results indicate that vulnerable populations may have elevated concerns and are thus disproportionately burdended by the psychosocial effects of the threat of terrorism. To access the article in its entirety CLICK HERE. Comprehensive Preparedness Guide (CPG) 301: Interim Emergency Management Training Guide for Special Needs Populations This interim guide, jointly developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, outlines how involving special needs populations in planning enables emergency managers to address the function-based needs of individuals. The guide explicitly addresses the needs of culturally diverse, non-English speaking, and limited English proficient populations and strategies to integrate them into emergency communication, evacuation, and recovery plans. CPG-301 will remain an interim document while feedback on field experience with this guide is sought from emergency managers in 2008. This will include a series of forums that will be held and an open comment period conducted prior to finalizing the document. Follow the links to either the PRESS RELEASE or the full interim GUIDE. Health Disparities: Barriers to a Culture of Preparedness This commentary piece, which appears in the November supplement of the Journal of Public Health Management and Practice, describes how one’s ability to survive and recover from a disaster is proportional to their social and physical well being prior to the event. The piece is by LTG Russel L. Honore´ (retired) who was the Commander of the Hurricane Katrina Joint Task Force. To read the commentary in its entirety CLICK HERE. Ethnocultural Perspectives on Disaster and Trauma: Foundations, Issues, and Applications This new book, edited by Dr. Anthony J. Marsella and colleagues, provides a range of perspectives and strategies for providing mental health services to diverse populations following a disaster. Drawing from major historical events, this book examines core values, communication styles, and cultural-specific disorders associated with post-disaster trauma. The authors additionally provide recommendations for improving service delivery to racially and ethnically diverse populations. For more information CLICK HERE. Emergency Preparedness in Public Hospitals: Complete Findings of the 2006-2007 Emergency Preparedness Study This monograph presents findings from a series of surveys conducted by the National Health and Hospital Institute to determine the role of public hospitals during an emergency and identify concerns as well as activities.  Findings indicate the public hospitals provide a disproportionate amount of emergency services compared to their non-public counterparts, their ability to respond to an emergency is dependent on internal readiness, they play a vital role in community preparedness, and that they provide care to most vulnerable populations despite limited resources for preparedness planning.  The monograph also cites that public hospitals serve a high proportion of minority patients, many of which have limited English proficiency.  To view the monograph in its entirety CLICK HERE. San Diego Firestorm 2007 Report: Fire Impact on Farmworkers & Migrant Communities in North County This report, prepared by the National Latino Research Center at California State University, San Marcos, documents fire impacts on farmworkers and migrants in North San Diego County resulting from the firestorms of October 2007. Research findings suggest that during and immediately following the firestorms, farmworkers and migrants in North San Diego County were negatively impacted by the fires and in some cases encountered structural and institutional barriers in accessing information and relief efforts. To view the full report CLICK HERE. Integrating Immigrant Families in Emergency Response, Relief, and Rebuilding Efforts The Annie E. Casey Foundation, in collaboration with Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees, recently developed a framework for how local governments can incorporate LEP residents and immigrants into the emergency planning process, increase their preparedness, and develop capacity in key public agencies to communicate with and serve these residents.  The framework draws on findings from a series of recent reports which examined barriers to successfully integrating LEP immigrant communities into emergency preparedness and response strategies.  These barriers include geographic and cultural isolation, limited English proficiency, and lack of trust in government officials.  To View the report in its entirety CLICK HERE. Yale Center for Public Health Preparedness Newsletter: Engaging Immigrant Communities in Emergency Preparedness The most recent installment of the Yale Center for Public Health Preparedness newsletter focuses on potential barriers to engaging immigrant communities in public health preparedness and proposes various strategies to promote preparedness in these communities. Barriers include limited English proficiency (LEP), cultural differences, and lack of trust in government officials and service providers. Promoting preparedness through trusted sources, such as ethnic media outlets and community organizations, is a key strategy for fostering a culture of emergency preparedness in immigrant communities. To view the newsletter in its entirety and learn how to subscribe CLICK HERE.  Emergency Preparedness Education for the Latino Community Conducted by Health Promoters: A Mini Pilot Study This report presents the findings of a program initiated by the Montgomery County, Maryland Advanced Practice Center for Public Health Emergency Preparedness and the Latino Health Initiative to increase emergency preparedness in low-income Latino communities through health promoters from the local community. Following a literature review and eight focus group discussions, experienced Vías health promoters were trained, using a curriculum based on the findings of the formative research and highlighting the key messages and materials of the Advanced Practice Center. Results suggest that the promoter-led community education sessions on emergency preparedness were remarkably effective in increasing the Latino community’s readiness for emergencies. To view the full report and materials CLICK HERE.

Findings of the "Multicultural Health Research Project" Now Available

This report presents the findings of three case studies which were conducted across sixteen Metro Fire departments in Seattle, Washington, Austin, Texas, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The project set out to test the hypothesis that the “hero” culture of the fire service increases the risk of injury and loss of life of both firefighters and community members when working with multicultural communities. The report also examines the perceptions of firefighters in their ability to meet the needs of multicultural communities and what specific safety risks could be reduced to firefights and community members if firefighters had greater multicultural awareness and were better reflected in the community. A series of interviews and testimonials accompany report and are available to view in streaming format as are the finding from a survey which examines the racial composition of 108 metro fire departments. The view the full report as well as related resources CLICK HERE.

At-Risk Populations Project Engagement Meetings: Final Report

This report serves as a comprehensive summary of three engagement meetings between federal, state, local, and territorial health agencies, as well as other key stakeholders to develop model guidance on at-risk populations during an influenza pandemic. The report provides an executive summary of the meetings as well as quantitative results of participants’ agreement with various statements regarding vulnerable populations. The resource serves as a compliment to ASTHO's report “At-risk Populations and Pandemic Influenza: Planning Guidance for State, Territorial, Tribal and Local Health Departments.”   To view the full report CLICK HERE.    

New Report Released: “Disaster Preparedness in Urban Immigrant Communities: Lessons Learned from Recent Catastrophic Events and Their Relevance to Latino and Asian Communities in Southern California.”

The Tomás Rivera Policy Institute (TRPI) and the Asian Pacific American Legal Center (APALC) recently released a joint study which finds that immigrant and limited English proficient populations are not fully incorporated in disaster preparedness educational efforts and emergency response plans. The study examines selected Latino and Asian immigrant communities in Southern California for disaster education and response preparations in order to improve disaster awareness among immigrant community members and to help emergency response personnel better serve limited English speaking populations. To view the full report CLICK HERE.

New Series of Publications Released by the Joint Center for Economic Studies

The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies’ Health Policy Institute has recently released a series of publications that explore a range of underlying causes for the disparate outcomes suffered by African Americans and other people of color in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The publication offer analyses of the social conditions that gave rise to Katrina’s tragic outcomes, the reasons behind the grossly inadequate disaster responses at all levels of government, and possible strategies for addressing the legacy of inequality and ensuring effective disaster preparedness in the future. Click on the links to view the publications in full.
Environmental Justice through the Eye of Hurricane Katrina
Understanding the Role of African American Churches and Clergy in Community Crisis Response
In the Wake of Katrina: The Continuing Saga of Housing and Rebuilding in New Orleans
No More Katrinas: How Reducing Disparities Can Promote Disaster Preparedness

New article in the Journal of Water and Health entitled “Communicating Effectively with Vulnerable Populations During Water Contamination Events.”

Abstract: Water contamination events are a public health concern worldwide with significant potential to impact the global community. When communicating with the public during these crisis situations, it is vital to consider the multiple audiences who receive the messages. Before developing or delivering messages to a particular community, it is essential to be familiar with the community's characteristics, needs, concerns, and who is considered credible to that community. Vulnerable populations include, but are not limited to, the urban/rural poor, those who are mentally ill, intellectually disabled, medically vulnerable, at the extremes of age (children and the elderly), racial/ethnic minorities, and those with low literacy or limited English proficiency. A water contamination event poses a unique opportunity to work with diverse populations to effectively convey important health messages. Each population needs to receive appropriate public health messages. Becoming familiar with vulnerable populations and their needs prior to a water contamination event will help in identifying barriers and developing and refining effective messages in such a crisis. In water contamination crises, our publics’ health depends on effective, targeted crisis communication.  LINK TO ARTICLE

New article in International Nursing Review entitled "Hurricane Katrina: prior trauma, poverty and health among Vietnamese-American survivors."

Abstract: The flooding of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina revealed the disproportionate vulnerability of ethnic minority communities for emergency preparedness, disaster relief and health. Nurses need to analyze Katrina's health consequences for the most vulnerable segments of our society. The aim of this article is to examine factors contributing to differential health outcomes among the New Orleans Vietnamese community in response to Katrina. LINK TO ARTICLE

New article in the Journal of Homeland Security and Emergency Management entitled "An Assessment of the Cultural Appropriateness of Emergency Preparedness Communication for Low Income minorities."

Abstract: Effective methods of communication are vital to preparing the public for emergency events. Hurricane Katrina was an unfortunate example of the devastating consequences that can occur from inadequate communication prior to and during emergency events. The presence of health disparities exacerbates these consequences for vulnerable populations such as low-income minorities. To address the need for more research within this realm of public health, the Morgan State University School of Public Health and Policy implemented the Special Populations Bioterrorism Initiative to assess the experiences and needs of low income minorities affected by natural disasters in Maryland. As an extension of this initiative, a content analysis of web-based emergency preparedness risk communication materials collected from the 26 county and municipal emergency management offices in Maryland was conducted to determine their appropriateness in reaching low income African Americans and Latinos. The results illustrated a significant disparity in the amount of culturally tailored information available for these populations, as well as the need for improvement in developing and disseminating culturally appropriate emergency risk communication designed to reach low income minorities. LINK TO ARTICLE

New Health Affairs' article entitled "Preparing Racially and Ethnically Diverse Communities for Public Health Emergencies"

Abstract: The tragedy of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans confirmed that effective implementation of public health preparedness programs and policies will require compliance from all racial and ethnic populations. This study reviews current resources and limitations and suggests future directions for integrating diverse communities into related strategies. It documents research and interventions, including promising models and practices that address preparedness for minorities. However, findings reveal a general lack of focus on diversity and suggest that future preparedness efforts need to fully integrate factors related to race, culture, and language into risk communication, public health training, measurement, coordination, and policy at all levels. LINK TO ARTICLE

New Publication by the Brookings-Bern Project entitled “Human Rights and Natural Disasters: Operational Guidelines and Field Manual on Human Rights Protection in Situations of Natural Disaster.”

This manual is intended to ensure that disaster relief and reconstruction efforts are conducted within a framework that protects and furthers human rights.  Operational guidelines in the manual are informed by and draw on provisions in relevant international human rights law.  The need to ensure non-discriminatory disaster relief efforts and preserve the social and cultural rights of ethnic and religious minority groups is a central theme in this publication.  CLICK HERE to view the manual in its entirety.   

New article in the Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology entitled "Disaster Prepardness Training for Tribal Leaders."

Abstract: It was with considerable irony that tribal leaders began a collaboration with the University of Arizona and the Arizona Department of Health Services for training in public health preparedness, as the tribes had an extended prior history of responding to a host of hazards caused by the dominant culture. The objective of the training was to ensure that Native American communities were adequately informed and trained to implement coordinated response plans for a range of potential public health emergencies on tribal lands and in surrounding communities. This commentary outlines how cultural competency (including public prayer by an elder during the training), respect for tribal sovereignity, solicitation of historical examples of indigenous preparedness, and incorporation of tribal community networks were essential to the success of this program. LINK TO ARTICLE

New Article in Emerging Infectious Disease entitled "Pandemic Influenza Planning in the United States from a Health Disparities Perspective."

Abstract: We explored how different socioeconomic and racial/ethnic groups in the United States might fare in an influenza pandemic on the basis of social factors that shape exposure, vulnerability to influenza virus, and timeliness and adequacy of treatment. We discuss policies that might differentially affect social groups’ risk for illness or death. Our purpose is not to establish the precise magnitude of disparities likely to occur; rather, it is to call attention to avoidable disparities that can be expected in the absence of systematic attention to differential social risks in pandemic preparedness plans. Policy makers at the federal, state, and local levels should consider potential sources of socioeconomic and racial/ethnic disparities during a pandemic and formulate specific plans to minimize these disparities. LINK TO ARTICLE