The Public Health Workbook to Define, Locate and Reach Special, Vulnerable and At-Risk Populations in an Emergency [The Workbook] Carol Simon, BSN, Pharm.D., MEP (Project Manager/Editor) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Jane Mobley, Ph.D. (Contractor) Jane Mobley Associates, Kansas City, MO

The Workbook Highlights The Steps: Systematic ProcessThe Steps: Systematic Process –32 Steps to DEFINE, LOCATE and REACH special populations in your jurisdiction The CategoriesThe Categories –Framework for discussion and planning The COIN (Community Outreach Information Network)The COIN (Community Outreach Information Network) –A grassroots network of resource people and trusted leaders for Information dissemination in emergencies PLUS … Tools, Templates and ExamplesTools, Templates and Examples

The Steps: Systematic Process DEFINE Research and fact finding [Steps 1- 4]Research and fact finding [Steps 1- 4] Community engagement and collaboration [Steps 5 - 8]Community engagement and collaboration [Steps 5 - 8] Applying the information gathered [Steps 9 -10]Applying the information gathered [Steps 9 -10]LOCATE Research and fact finding [Steps ]Research and fact finding [Steps ] Community engagement and collaboration [Steps ]Community engagement and collaboration [Steps ] Applying the information gathered [Steps 18-20]Applying the information gathered [Steps 18-20]REACH Research and fact finding [Steps 20-22]Research and fact finding [Steps 20-22] Community engagement and collaboration [Steps ]Community engagement and collaboration [Steps ] Applying the information gathered [Steps ]Applying the information gathered [Steps ]

The Categories Discussing Special Populations: Describe characteristics that may cause people or groups of people to be vulnerable in an emergency.Describe characteristics that may cause people or groups of people to be vulnerable in an emergency. Emphasizes the nature of the vulnerability putting someone at risk in an emergency – NOT vulnerable individuals or groups.Emphasizes the nature of the vulnerability putting someone at risk in an emergency – NOT vulnerable individuals or groups. Provides a framework to begin discussions and planning that is all-inclusive.Provides a framework to begin discussions and planning that is all-inclusive. Economic disadvantageEconomic disadvantage Limited language proficiencyLimited language proficiency DisabilityDisability Cultural/geographic isolationCultural/geographic isolation AgeAge

The COIN (Community Outreach Information Network) Built BEFORE an emergencyBuilt BEFORE an emergency Based upon trust and established relationshipsBased upon trust and established relationships Grassroots network of resource people and trusted (often informal) leaders who can serve as conduits for information dissemination.Grassroots network of resource people and trusted (often informal) leaders who can serve as conduits for information dissemination. Information dissemination channel and trusted spokespersons during an emergencyInformation dissemination channel and trusted spokespersons during an emergency

The COIN (Community Outreach Information Network) Added benefits…Added benefits… –May be only way to reach those who mistrust the government or don’t listen to mainstream media –Will reinforce messages delivered through mainstream media to increase likelihood of following public health directives –During massive power failure, may be only way to disseminate messages –Can become an effective tool to disseminate day-to-day public health prevention messaging

The Goal Using The Categories as a frameworkUsing The Categories as a framework Follow the process of The Steps to DEFINE, LOCATE and REACHFollow the process of The Steps to DEFINE, LOCATE and REACH Build a COIN to REACH Special PopulationsBuild a COIN to REACH Special Populations

The COIN Real or Theoretical? In Kentucky, it is called the KOIN And it can work!

Tools, Templates and Examples Practical helpPractical help Web linksWeb links ChecklistsChecklists

Next Steps ? –Develop training materials, curriculum for The Workbook –Incorporate The COIN into preparedness exercise programs

The Workbook