Integrating racially and ethnically diverse communities into planning for disasters: the California experience

Disaster Med Public Health Prep. 2011 Oct;5(3):227-34. doi: 10.1001/dmp.2011.72.

Abstract

Objectives: Racially/ethnically diverse communities suffer a disproportionate burden of adverse outcomes before, during and after a disaster. Using California as a locus of study, we sought to identify challenges and barriers to meeting the preparedness needs of these communities and highlight promising strategies, gaps in programs, and future priorities.

Methods: We conducted a literature review, environmental scan of organizational Web sites providing preparedness materials for diverse communities, and key informant interviews with public health and emergency management professionals.

Results: We identified individual-level barriers to preparing diverse communities such as socioeconomic status, trust, culture, and language, as well as institutional-level barriers faced by organizations such as inadequate support for culturally/linguistically appropriate initiatives. Current programs to address these barriers include language assistance services, community engagement strategies, cross-sector collaboration, and community assessments. Enhancing public-private partnerships, increasing flexibility in allocating funds and improving organizational capacity for diversity initiatives were all identified as additional areas of programmatic need.

Conclusions: Our study suggests at least four intervention priorities for California and across the United States: engaging diverse communities in all aspects of emergency planning, implementation, and evaluation; mitigating fear and stigma; building organizational cultural competence; and enhancing coordination of information and resources. In addition, this study provides a methodological model for other states seeking to assess their capacity to integrate diverse communities into preparedness planning and response.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • California
  • Community Health Services / methods
  • Community Health Services / organization & administration*
  • Cooperative Behavior
  • Cultural Diversity*
  • Culture
  • Disaster Planning / methods
  • Disaster Planning / organization & administration*
  • Ethnicity*
  • Fear
  • Humans
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Program Development
  • Public Health / methods*
  • Racial Groups*
  • Social Stigma
  • Socioeconomic Factors