"Preparing Racially and Ethnically Diverse Communities for Public Health Emergencies," a new report completed by researchers led by Dennis Andrulis, PhD, at the Drexel University School of Public Health, and released today in the journal Health Affairs, portrays the years of inattention to the needs of blacks, Hispanics, Asians and others in readying the country for emergency events. It also brings to light the powerful impact that 9/11 and especially Hurricane Katrina have had on promoting new programs and research, but also uncovering major areas needing significant focus and support.
This first major review of over 300 Web sites from government and private-sector organizations, including their programs, resources and reports, and research conducted over the past 30 years on minorities in the context of disasters found that with the exception of translated materials, only about ten percent provide significant information and guidance on emergency preparedness for racially and ethnically diverse communities.
The report identifies shortcomings in emergency risk communication, training and education, measurement and evaluation, and program and policy initiatives for effectively preparing these populations for mass disasters.
"The nation has come a short distance in the period of time since 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina to address this neglect, said Dennis Andrulis, PhD, lead study author, Director of the Center for Health Equality and Associate Dean for Research at the Drexel University School of Public Health. "In so doing, it shows how far we have to go."
To that end, the report identifies where new and promising strategies have started to emerge. These lead the authors to conclude that there are five critical priorities:
- Overcoming culture and language barriers with initiatives that extend beyond translated materials and involve communities to assure acceptability;
- Ensuring that training and education activities for emergency preparedness planning and implementation incorporate issues related to diverse populations;
- Establishing and coordinating federal, state and local resources, roles and responsibilities;
- Developing evidence-based measurement and evaluation of emergency preparedness programs; and
- Including diversity in national and state preparedness policies and programs.
According to Dr. Andrulis, "bringing resources to bear on these priorities, along with fully engaging diverse communities across the continuum of preparedness from planning to execution, should be a core part of any strategy to reach, engage and protect the nation."
The release of the study comes on the heels of Dr. Andrulis and the Drexel University School of Public Health receiving a grant from the Office of Minority Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to establish the first national resource center and clearinghouse on public health emergency preparedness for racially and ethnically diverse populations.
An interactive Web site, aimed at national, state and local audiences, will serve as the central source and communications portal for diverse communities. The site will feature best practices, innovations, research and policy on preparedness for emergencies such as hurricanes, pandemic flu and terrorist attacks. The site will also include language translations.
The resource center and clearinghouse will be located at the Center for Health Equality at the Drexel University School of Public Health.