Cultural Impact On Disaster Relief Jane Harkey, MSW, RNC The Institute for Families, Continuing Education & Professional Development Program, School of Social Work, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 100 Joyce Kilmer Avenue, Building 4161, Livingston Campus, Piscataway, New Jersey X160; (fax) ; New Jersey Preparedness Consortium (NJ-PTC), Funded by the US Department of Health & Human Services, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR)

Goals & Objectives Discuss the cultural composition of NJ Define Culture Identify at least 3 ways individuals within a given cultural group may respond during a disaster List at least 4 strategies to meet the needs of various cultures in order to provide disaster relief

NJ Quick Facts 4 th smallest state in the US Most densely populated state in the US One of the most religiously and ethnically diverse states in the US

NJ Ethnic Demographics 2006 US Census Total Population – almost 9 million White – 76.4% Black or African American – 14.5% Hispanic or Latino – 15.6% Asian – 7.4% Other Races – 5.4% Two or more Races – 1.3%

NJ Religious Diversity 2 nd largest Jewish population by % in US 2 nd largest Muslim (Islamic) population by % in US

Culture Learned and transmitted knowledge of values, beliefs and lifeways of a particular group that are generally transmitted intergenerationally and influence thinking, decisions and actions in patterned ways

Why Culture is Important in an Emergency People prepare, respond, and recover from disaster within the context of their culture. Culture offers a protective system that is both comforting and reassuring. It defines appropriate behavior and furnishes a support system, and identifies a shared vision for recovery. Despite the strengths of culture, responses from some groups may make them more vulnerable than others.

Understand Audience Beliefs and Bias What cultural groups (ethnic, racial, and religious) live in the community? Where do they live, and what are their special needs? What are their values, beliefs, and primary languages? Who are the cultural brokers in the community?

Important Considerations When Interacting With People of Other Cultures Communication Personal Space Social Organization Time Environmental Control

Strategies to Meet the Needs of Various Cultures Profile of area’s cultural composition Alliances with leaders Bilingual and bicultural staff Dissemination of emergency information

Strategies to Meet the Needs of Various Cultures (Con’t) Natural support networks Help-seeking behaviors, customs & traditions Accessible, appropriate & equitable services Cultural competence training

What resources and supports would community and cultural/ethnic groups provide during or following a disaster? Who are the key informants/ gatekeepers of the impacted community? Has a directory of cultural resource groups, natural helpers, and community informants who have knowledge about diverse groups been developed? Are the community partners involved in all phases of disaster preparedness, response, and recovery operations? Engage Community