Preparing Racially And Ethnically Diverse Communities For Public Health Emergencies

• Published in: Health Affairs Vol. 26; no. 5; pp. 1269 - 1279
• Main Authors: Andrulis, Dennis P, Siddiqui, Nadia J, Gantner, Jenna L
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Health Affairs 01-09-2007; The People to People Health Foundation, Inc., Project HOPE
• Subjects: African Americans; Communication; Community Health Planning - organization & administration; Community life; Community Networks; Cultural differences; Cultural Diversity; Culture; Disaster Planning - organization & administration; Disasters; Emergency Medical Services - organization & administration; Emergency preparedness; Ethnic groups; Ethnic Groups - education; Ethnicity; Government agencies; Healthcare Disparities; Humans; Hurricanes; Initiatives; Integration; Language; Literacy; Louisiana; Minority & ethnic groups; Minority Groups - education; Noncitizens; Public health; Public Health Administration - economics; Race; Risk Assessment; Studies; Urban Health Services - organization & administration; Websites; Louisiana; United States > US
• ISSN: 0278-2715; 1544-5208
• DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.26.5.1269

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.